The ASIST-AP programme has been institutionalised as an operational arm of the Employment Intensive Investment programme of the ILO. The strength of ASIST-AP is that it provides advice, information and training within a framework of partnership with governments, the private sector, universities and funding agencies. ASIST-AP has no major investment resources of its own, but because of its objectivity and its position as part of the ILO can be a catalyst in sourcing funds in infrastructure. Apart from the resources provided from the ILO's regular budget, the programme also benefits from the financial support of Danida, DFID and the Dutch Government.
The role of ASIST-AP is to assist governments to effectively incorporate the forementioned principles into their investment programmes and to provide support to ensure sustainability and quality control.
This requires that:
ASIST-AP provides technical input into the development and implementation of infrastructure programmes.
maintains an information base that provides a centre of knowledge for the Asian region on local resource based infrastructure.
ASIST-AP supports the development of a network of institutions and individuals involved with the four fields of operation.
Being part of the ILO, ASIST-AP is responsive to the needs of the member states in the region and the ILO?s overall programme in the region. Nevertheless, it is also cognisant of the geographical focus of the major donors to the programme. In addition, good contacts have already been established with both the World Bank and the ADB and working with these agencies provides another entry point for the development of the ASIST-AP programme.
The ASIST-AP programme is not circumscribed by present donor commitments, although of course to retain a sense of reality that has been a consideration. Nevertheless we continue to work towards identifying other donors? support for the core activities.
ASIST-AP also depends on networking with other like-minded organisations. The programme is already working with, and providing support to, National Forum Groups of the International Forum for Rural Transport and Development. The programme has a good working relationships with TRL. Through the Regional University Network Asia Pacific (RUNAP), it is developing working relationships with 15 universities in the region.
