The agreement, which is a major steps towards an integrated, international and intermodal network in the region, is the outcome of a three-day meeting among transport officials.

A similar agreement for the Asian Highway Network came into force in July 2005.

"Through the two agreements, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) wants to provide a solid basis for a regional approach to transport development, ushering in a new era of cooperation and creating a partnership for regional integration," said.

UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su in a press release.

The agreement will be presented to the 62nd session of the UNESCAP Commission for adoption in April 2006. A signing ceremony will be held at the Ministerial Conference on Transport later that year.

Under the terms of the agreement, a working group will be established and meet every two years.

"It will be a forum within which transport policy makers and railway managers will define a common vision, adopt joint programmes of action, identify investment requirements and sources, and benchmark progress," noted Mr. Kim.

The TAR network comprises of over 80,000 kilometres (km) of rail routes of international importance linking 27 UNESCAP member countries in the region.

The aim of the network is to offer efficient transport services for the movement of goods within the UNESCAP region and between Asia and Europe as well as provide improved access for landlocked countries to its major ports.