New York: Speakers from around the world today emphasized that integrating landlocked developing countries into the global economy will benefit everyone, as the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held its second round-table discussion on the theme of seizing the transformative potential of trade, trade facilitation, and regional integration for landlocked developing countries.
According to EMM, Co-Chair K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, opened the discussion by highlighting that landlocked developing countries, despite their significant trade potential, account for just over 1 percent of global trade in goods. This situation arises not from a lack of ambition but from structural barriers such as lack of direct access to the sea, high transit costs, poor infrastructure, long transit routes, and limited market access. Oli emphasized the moral responsibility of ensuring trade and transit rights for these countries, stressing that they must not be left behind in the global trading system.
Co-Chair Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice-President of the Gambia, noted that the Awaza Programme of Action outlines ambitious trade goals for landlocked developing countries, including doubling exports, diversifying trade, and integrating into multilateral trading systems by 2034. Achieving these goals requires commitments from development partners, transit countries, and the landlocked countries themselves. Jallow stressed the importance of collaboration to ensure no country is disadvantaged by its geography.
The discussion also highlighted successful integration projects such as the Northern Corridor in East Africa, the Middle Corridor in Central Asia, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Digital transformation was noted as a key factor in trade facilitation, with digital services offering opportunities for competition without the constraints of physical transport. However, this requires investment and regulatory readiness.
Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister for Trade and Entrepreneurship of Botswana, emphasized the importance of simplifying trade regulations, enhancing cooperation, diversifying economies, and upgrading infrastructure to boost trade. He highlighted Botswana’s efforts in reforming border processes and developing dry-port infrastructure, stressing the role of reliable infrastructure in successful trade facilitation.
Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, underscored the benefits of improved connectivity between landlocked and coastal countries. He emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the development of both physical and digital infrastructure to create a win-win situation for all involved.
Ian Saunders, Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization, pointed out the critical role of customs in cross-border trade. He highlighted the need for regional trade agreements, economic corridors, and digital infrastructure to provide reliable access to markets. Saunders also mentioned the WCO’s role in supporting landlocked countries with standardized customs procedures.
Asad Majid Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, called for a holistic, whole-of-government approach, emphasizing the need for trade frameworks and addressing visa issues to facilitate trade. He noted the importance of private-sector engagement and the challenges posed by financial sanctions.
Maryam bint Alim bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation of Qatar, reaffirmed the importance of not leaving any country behind due to geographic constraints. She stressed the need for strong international support, infrastructure development, and digital capacity building for inclusive growth.
During the interactive dialogue, representatives from landlocked developing countries shared successful regional cooperation initiatives. Malawi’s representative mentioned digitized customs procedures and one-stop border posts, while Burkina Faso and Zambia highlighted efforts to improve integration and reduce transit times. Representatives from other countries, including Zimbabwe, Paraguay, and Armenia, emphasized the importance of regional trade agreements and infrastructure projects to enhance economic connectivity.
Mongolia’s representative highlighted the significant distance export goods must travel to reach seaports, emphasizing the importance of regional integration for sustainable development. He urged for collective efforts to translate the aspirations of the Awaza Programme of Action into tangible benefits for landlocked developing countries.