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." Opening the discussion, 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 discrepancy stems not from a lack of ambition or effort but from structural barriers such as lack of direct sea access, high transit costs, poor infrastructure, long transit routes, and limited market access.
According to EMM, Co-Chair Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice-President of the Gambia, noted that the Awaza Programme of Action sets clear and ambitious trade goals, including doubling exports, diversifying trade, and integrating landlocked developing countries into multilateral trading systems by 2034. This requires collaboration among development partners, transit countries, and the landlocked countries themselves to ensure no country is disadvantaged by geography.
The discussion also highlighted the transformative outcomes from previous 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 is seen as a crucial element, with digital services offering competitive opportunities without the delays associated with traditional goods transport. UNCTAD's experience underscores that sustainable transformation needs the right tools, investment, and partnerships, focusing on reducing border delays, increasing youth employment in digital services, and connecting landlocked countries to opportunities.
Tiroeaone Ntsima, Botswana's Minister for Trade and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the role of reliable infrastructure in trade facilitation, urging landlocked developing countries to simplify trade regulations, enhance cooperation, diversify economies, and upgrade infrastructure. He highlighted Botswana's efforts in reforming border processes and developing dry-port infrastructure as examples of successful trade facilitation, while also calling for reduced non-tariff barriers and strong political will to turn policies into practice.
Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, discussed the mutual benefits of cooperation between landlocked and coastal countries, emphasizing that strong connectivity and infrastructure development could turn geographical challenges into opportunities. Ian Saunders from the World Customs Organization pointed out the critical role of customs in cross-border trade, advocating for standardized procedures and regional trade agreements to enhance trade access.
Asad Majid Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, called for holistic government approaches to trade, including simplified customs procedures and engagement with the private sector. He stressed the need for seamless payment mechanisms and the detrimental effects of financial sanctions on trade integration.
Maryam bint Alim bin Nasser Al Misnad, Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation, reaffirmed the importance of inclusive growth through strengthened infrastructure, digital capacity, and investment, citing the Sevilla Commitment's support for landlocked developing countries.
During the interactive dialogue, representatives from various landlocked countries shared successful regional cooperation examples, such as digitized customs procedures in Malawi, rail link revitalization between Zambia and Tanzania, and collaborative infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe and Armenia. The representative from Mongolia highlighted the Awaza Programme of Action's acknowledgment of the necessity of integrating landlocked developing countries into regional economies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.