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 "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, highlighted that despite their significant trade potential, landlocked developing countries account for just over 1 percent of global trade in goods. This is attributed not to a lack of ambition or effort but to 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 to ensure these countries' trade and transit rights, stressing that they must not be left behind in the global trading system.
Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice-President of the Gambia, further elaborated on the Awaza Programme of Action, which sets out ambitious trade goals for landlocked developing countries, including doubling their exports, diversifying trade, and integrating them into multilateral trading systems by 2034. He stressed the importance of collaboration among development partners, transit countries, and landlocked countries to achieve these aspirations and ensure that no country is disadvantaged by geography.
The discussion also touched on successful integration projects like the Northern Corridor in East Africa and the Middle Corridor in Central Asia. The African Continental Free Trade Area was cited as a significant regional transformation effort. It was noted that digital trade, unlike traditional goods, is not hindered by physical barriers, and with the right investment and regulatory framework, landlocked developing countries can unlock digital trade opportunities.
Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister for Trade and Entrepreneurship of Botswana, highlighted the actions that landlocked developing countries can take to boost trade, such as simplifying trade regulations, enhancing cooperation, diversifying economies, and upgrading infrastructure. He emphasized the need for foreign direct investment and technology transfer from developed countries, citing Botswana's experience in reforming border processes and developing dry-port infrastructure as examples of successful trade facilitation.
Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, discussed the benefits of developing physical and digital infrastructure, promoting multilateralism, and strengthening connectivity with landlocked countries. He stressed that coastal countries should recognize the potential benefits of working with landlocked neighbors, as these countries often have growing populations and rich natural resources.
Ian Saunders, Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization, emphasized the importance of customs in cross-border transit and trade facilitation. He highlighted the role of regional trade agreements, economic corridors, and digital infrastructure in providing landlocked countries with more reliable market access. The WCO supports these countries by establishing clear rules and standardized customs procedures.
Asad Majid Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, underscored the need for a holistic, whole-of-government approach to simplify customs procedures and reduce trade costs. He stressed the importance of private-sector engagement and the development of seamless payment mechanisms to facilitate trade integration.
Maryam bint Alim bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation of Qatar, reaffirmed that no country should be left behind due to geographic constraints. She highlighted the importance of strengthening infrastructure, building digital capacity, and attracting investment for inclusive growth, as affirmed by the Sevilla Commitment.
During the interactive dialogue, delegates from landlocked developing countries shared examples of successful regional cooperation, such as Malawi's digitized customs procedures and one-stop border posts, Burkina Faso's efforts within the Alliance of Sahel States, and Zambia's partnership with Tanzania to revitalize the TAZARA rail link. These initiatives demonstrate the potential for regional trade agreements to unleash the trade potential of landlocked countries.
The representative of Mongolia emphasized the necessity of integrating landlocked developing countries into regional economies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The call to action was clear: collaborate and translate the aspirations of the Awaza Programme of Action into tangible benefits for landlocked developing countries.
