Road research, information and training activities: cooperation & coordination in the Asia and pacific region

The aims and activities of the Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC), the International Road Federation (IRF) and, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) International Road Research Documentation (IRRD) are outlined as examples of international cooperation and coordination in road research information and training. Australian developments and practice in the activities of the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and the National Association of Australian State Road Authorities (NAASRA) are discussed with particular reference to coordination of research and to training for african and asian engineers. Developments in the asian and pacific regions are described with special reference to the Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia (REAAA), to its road extension programme (rep) proposals and, to the current efforts to establish a data base of road research and information for asian and pacific regions (rriapr). The central function of information and the need to seek beyond national boundaries is emphasised. Some tentative proposals for the generation of regional research, information and training projects are presented for discussion (a).