In his opening address to the participants AFC General Secretary Dato’ Paul Mony Samuel spoke of how the initiative by the global game’s governing body will help improve refereeing standards throughout Asia.

"We have a new partner in Asia for referee development…RAP from FIFA.

"From now on you can take refereeing development in your region and country and through our efforts and determination we can teach the referees and help improve their level."

Meanwhile, FIFA Refereeing Development Manager Fernando Garcia, the Chairman of the two-day meet, spoke of the need for co-operation across the board in order to achieve consistency in officiating.

"The most important thing now is to kick-off this (RAP) programme," he said.

"Every national association should work closely with the (Asian Football) Confederation and FIFA for the same rules of the game implementation."