Landlocked Countries Seek to Overcome Geography Gap

Strategic Insights -

The UN Conference on the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) is underway in Turkmenistan, aiming to transform these nations from landlocked to landlinked through smarter infrastructure, streamlined logistics, and stronger regional ties. The conference focuses on overcoming the disadvantages of geography, with discussions centered on trade, outdated infrastructure, and limited use of digital tools. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for smart logistics, streamlined systems, and stronger partnerships with transit countries to reduce delays and costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Landlocked developing countries make up more than 7% of the world's population but account for only 1.2% of global merchandise trade in 2024, highlighting the economic impact of geography.
  • The Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034 aims to change the reality of LLDCs, but turning ambition into results requires bold, coordinated efforts across borders and sectors.
  • Only 11 of the 32 landlocked developing countries have joined the UN-backed TIR system, which allows goods to move from origin to destination in sealed compartments under a mutually recognized customs procedure.
  • Digital tools, such as 'single window' systems, can simplify cargo movement and reduce delays and costs.
  • Climate change is making cargo transport more difficult, and a transport infrastructure stress-testing tool and an online platform have been developed to support smarter investment decisions.
  • The message from Awaza is clear: isolation is not destiny, and with the right mindset, effective policies, and meaningful partnerships, landlocked countries can become landlinked and thrive.

Statistics:

  • 32 landlocked developing countries lack direct access to seaports, relying on longer, more complex routes to reach international markets.
  • Landlocked developing countries accounted for only 1.2% of global merchandise trade in 2024, despite making up more than 7% of the world's population.
  • 11 of the world's 32 landlocked developing countries have joined the UN-backed TIR system.
  • 3.5 million transport operators in over 100 countries are represented by the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
  • Uzbekistan is the largest user of the UN Convention called TIR, with over 100,000 cargo movements per year.

Sources:

  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres
  • World Customs Organization (WCO)
  • International Road Transport Union (IRU)
  • UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • MIL OSI United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com