Intermodal freight transport between Europe and Asia - A structured approach to policy making and problem solving

Strategic cooperation in all fields of economic activity between Europe and Asia is seen as beneficial for both sides and of outmost importance for the economic development and prosperity for both regions. Transport of goods between the two regions is by definition almost in its totality intermodal transport. Any actions or policies that facilitate such international intermodal transport are likely to contribute to better trade and better economic, political, social, and cultural exchanges. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential policies as well as areas of the European and Asian experience and practice in the field of intermodal freight transport that could best be adopted for the improvement of intermodal freight and maritime transport between the two regions. It also provides the most important findings and conclusions from a series of events made by experts and industry on both sides and the recommendations made concerning the areas for the potential exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two regions and their future cooperation prospects. The results and findings clearly demonstrate that the focused improvement of transport infrastructures and services (especially in the Asian part) during the following years will provide specific opportunities and perspectives for improvement and that cooperation at transnational and international levels will be the key to success. The European experience and knowledge in the relevant fields of common transport policy, technology, and financing and its successful adaptation in the Asian realities, can provide a good basis and a decisive factor in this strategic cooperation.