Support for the UNESCAP project began in December 2006 and is scheduled to continue until March 2008.

The Special Unit for South-South Cooperation has set aside $30,000 to partner with UNESCAP in conducting a connectivity study for the Pacific Islands that focuses on the technical, political, social and economic aspects of improving connectivity in these islands. The study has been completed by Indian and Thai staff members drawn from reputable institutions in the two countries. In addition to UNESCAP, other partners have included the Government of Turkey and ITU. A side objective of this collaboration was to build partnerships and respond to a priority target group identified in the Third Country Cooperation Framework (small island developing States).

The study report has been completed and is in the process of being published. It will be presented to a round-table meeting in New Caledonia in March 2008 and it is expected that other interested institutions and countries will take over the initiative. It is anticipated that the Pacific Islands Forum and the World Bank will move the recommendations forward. Other Southern countries such as China, Malaysia and Thailand may join Turkey in supporting this project.