In this interconnected and interdependent world, trade is a powerful engine of economic growth. It can significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), like others. But, despite their huge trade potential, LLDCs account for just over one percent of global trade in goods. And this imbalance stems not from a lack of ambition or effort, but from structural barriers. LLDCs face a complex web of challenges, including lack of direct access to the seas, high transit costs, poor infrastructure, long and uncertain transit routes, limited market access, over-reliance on a narrow range of primary commodities, vulnerability to global shocks and climate change-induced disasters.
As a result, their economies remain underdeveloped and vulnerable. In this context, this Program of Action has come with concrete measures for turning landlocked countries into land-linked ones by building infrastructures, investing in smart trade corridors, developing transport and logistics industries, digitalizing trade and customs processes, promoting trade of ICT products and services, deepening regional integration and fostering meaningful partnerships.
With sincere implementation of these measures, LLDCs can harness their trade potentials for inclusive and sustainable development. For this, we need to strengthen cooperation and partnership at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. We must deliver on the promise to double the share of LLDCs in global trade, expand their service exports, and foster more diversified and resilient economies. We need to implement this Program of Action to bring prosperity to more than 570m people living in LLDCs.
Trade and transit rights of the LLDCs are a moral responsibility of all. They need greater solidarity, enhanced financial and technological support, as well as fair and equitable trade opportunities. Collective push for fairer trade terms and transit regimes is urgent. LLDCs must not be left behind in the global trading system. The Sevilla Commitment, which we adopted in June this year, also recognizes the LLDC program of action and expresses the strong commitment to its full and effective implementation. In this context, this roundtable is instrumental to remind us all for urgent actions with renewed commitment and global solidarity.
For LLDCs, sustainable infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and unrestricted transit are not optional. They are a lifeline. Indeed, they form the backbone of economic transformation. And, they are essential for our competitiveness. Our progress continues to be hindered by a lack of sea access, remoteness from global markets, high trade costs, delayed transit, limited connectivity, and fragile infrastructure. This is the best forum to discuss these challenges and its innovative solutions.
To overcome these structural challenges and vulnerabilities, we must invest in integrated and climate-resilient infrastructure that connects regions. We must harness digital technologies to unlock new opportunities. We must create seamless transit systems that are reliable, efficient, and predictable. We need to simplify, harmonize and modernize customs procedures.
‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ is the aspiration of Nepali people. To fulfill this aspiration, Nepal has prioritized sustainable infrastructure, improved connectivity, and seamless transit systems for durable and accelerated economic growth. We are actively expanding and reinforcing cross-border linkages to ensure smooth and uninterrupted transit and trade.
Nepal is committed to deepening partnership with its neighboring countries and beyond in the spirit of economic cooperation, regional integration and shared progress. The Awaza Program of Action recognizes that sustainable infrastructure, robust connectivity, and seamless transit are essential pillars of growth, resilience, and hope in LLDCs.
As we enter the next decade of action, let us renew our collective determination to connect LLDCs—physically, digitally, and economically—to global opportunities. Let us focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and transit as urgent imperatives for equity, inclusion, and shared progress. Let us deliver on the promise. Let us build a future where no states are left behind.
