South Asian countries must use shared rivers for promoting multi-modal connectivity

Geopolitical issues and numerous conflicts worldwide are impeding the progress of multi-modal transportation in South Asia. The region is facing challenges such as inadequate governance, subpar existing infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles. To prevent the initiation of impractical projects, it is crucial to tackle governance issues and ensure effective, transparent governance.

Failure to leverage existing infrastructure and opportunities represents a significant constraint. To address this challenge, South Asian countries can utilise common rivers to promote multi-modal connectivity through riverways.

These are some of the insights that emerged at the parallel session A1 of the Fourteenth South Asia Economic Summit (SAES XIV) titled ‘Multi-modal Transport (cross-border logistics)’ held on 4 November, 2023.

The Chair of the session, Dr Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), remarked ‘An insightful takeaway from Sri Lanka’s experience underscores the need for a more cautious approach to infrastructure financing’.

‘The advancement of multi-modal transport necessitates addressing geopolitical challenges’ opined Professor Dr Govind Raj Pokharel, Former Vice-Chair, National Planning Commission Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

The Executive Director of South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), Dr Selim Raihan, recommended, ‘When it comes to multi-modal connectivity, national efforts have to be aligned with regional plans. However, we do not have any regional plan’.

Mr Abdul Ghufran Memon, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Government of Pakistan, urged, ‘Enhancing multi-modal connectivity requires a shift from exclusive government control; empowering the private sector to manage it could lead to more efficient outcomes’.

‘Besides SAES, I do not see much interaction among think tanks, specifically in the area of multi-modal connectivity’ Dr Prabir De, Professor, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), India.

‘To facilitate coordination in multi-modal connectivity, the presence of SAARC is essential’ stressed the Professor of Manipur University, India, Dr Ch Priyoranjan Singh.

Mr Chewang Rinzin, Director, Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies, Bhutan, said ‘We can have grand infrastructure but if the people behind the infrastructure are inefficient, connectivity will slow down’.

The speakers of the session emphasised the geopolitical significance of multi-modal transport connectivity and addressed challenges such as bilateral trust deficits and the progression of both bilateral and sub-regional connectivity.

One notable issue addressed was the lack of alignment between national and regional planning efforts, leading to inconsistencies in customs and logistical facilities on borders. Harmonisation among states and regions in terms of customs procedures is notably absent. The pervasive trust deficit emerges as a major obstacle hindering multi-modal connectivity.

Despite these challenges, some progress has been made in bilateral and sub-regional integration within South Asia. National projects present opportunities for exploring regional connectivity potentials. To enhance multi-modal transport, concerted efforts from the governments of the South Asian region are imperative. Collaboration is the key, and countries must work together to devise action plans that can improve multi-modal connectivity in the long run, with a significant role for SAARC.

Recognising that the responsibility for improving multi-modal connectivity extends beyond governments alone, private sector entities, such as airlines, can contribute by facilitating port sharing with others. Non-state actors also have a role to play in complementing the connectivity process. Capacity building of human resources is crucial to facilitate seamless connectivity.

Additionally, an agreement on the structure, framework, and modality to finance multi-modal connectivity is essential for sustained progress. Overall, a holistic and collaborative approach, involving both state and non-state actors, is crucial to overcome challenges and enhance multimodal transport connectivity in the South Asian region.

High-level policymakers, political leaders, academics, development practitioners, civil society activists from Bangladesh and the South Asian region attended the session and shared their valuable insights.