Future Northeast Asia Transport and Communications System

Korea has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance international cooperation in transport and communications within Northeast Asia. This effort is driven not only by the benefits that could accrue to the Korean Peninsula but also to all nations in the region. Mutual cooperation within Northeast Asia would reduce transport and communications costs and provide the basis for a regional transport and logistics network. Before progress can be made towards an integrated transport and communications system in Northeast Asia, however, there is a need to evaluate its prospects, outline a visionary plan, and detail a preferred strategy. The strategy to develop the Korean Peninsula as the gateway for Northeast Asia should harmonize with the region's common transport (and communications) policy The strategy adopted by South Korea is focused primarily on the development of an improved logistics infrastructure that would be extended to North Korea upon reunification. The seaport and airport developments In Korea will have to be supported by improved access to planned high-speed railways, expressways and freight distribution centers that, in turn, are to be integrated with new telecommunications and computer technologies. The benefits from these improvements will be lost unless existing government monopolies controlling seaport, airport, rail, road and expressway developments are commercialized to ensure that the price of transport reflects its actual cost. Technical harmonization between different modes should be promoted to facilitate efficient intermodal transport between the Korean Peninsula and the rest of Northeast Asia.