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Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said sustainable infrastructures, robust connectivity, and seamless transit are essential pillars of growth, resilience, and hope in the landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). 

PM Oli said it while addressing a High-Level Thematic Roundtable on 'Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and promoting the unfettered transit systems for landlocked developing countries' in Awaza, Turkmenistan, today.  

According to him, they are a lifeline. Indeed, they form the backbone of economic transformation, and they are essential for our competitiveness, according to him. 

"As we enter the next decade of action, let us renew our collective determination to connect LLDCs — physically, digitally and economically— to the global opportunities. Let us focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and transit as urgent imperatives for equity, inclusion, and shared progress," the PM said. 

The PM further viewed that 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, reiterated.   

"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," the PM explained. 

According to him, it is time to deliver on the promise and build a future where no states are left behind.

Nepal's priority on seamless transit

On the occasion, the Head of the government took time to share Nepal's ambition of ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali.

 In order to fulfill this aspiration, Nepal has prioritized sustainable infrastructure, improved connectivity, and seamless transit systems for durable and accelerated economic growth. 

He informed the world that Nepal is 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 Prime Minister said.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Chairperson Jin Liqun paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday. 

They held a meeting on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) underway in Awaza of Turkmenistan. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has invited President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow to visit Nepal.

During a meeting held between the two leaders today on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), Prime Minister Oli invited the President to visit Nepal next year.

Giving a brief response to media persons of both countries after the meeting, Prime Minister Oli said that discussions were held on issues including bilateral interests, cooperation and collaboration and further strengthening the relations between the two countries.

On the occasion, he praised the development achieved by Turkmenistan in a short period of time and also shared about Nepal being upgraded to a developing country by 2026.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Oli thanked President Berdimuhamedov for the grand hosting of the UN conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the city of Awaza. 

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet with heads of state and government of other countries later today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and leader of the Nepali Delegation to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), has said LLDCs face a complex web of challenges for trade potentials.

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, climate change-induced disasters are among those challenges that resulted in underdeveloped and vulnerable economies of these countries. 

The Prime Minister said this while chairing the High-Level Thematic Roundtable 2: Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration for Landlocked Developing Countries held today under the Conference in Awaza of Turkmenistan.  

"In this interconnected and interdependent world- trade is a powerful engine of economic growth. It can significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of 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," he said in his opening remarks. 

In this context, the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs 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, he apprised the meeting. 

He advised that 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." 

He stressed that “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 570 million people living in LLDCs." 

He further stressed that "trade and transit rights of the LLDCs are a moral responsibility of all" and they need greater solidarity, enhanced financial and technological support, as well as fair and equitable trade opportunities.

Echoing the urgent need for collective push for fairer trade terms and transit regimes is urgent, he stressed that "LLDCs must not be left behind in the global trading system."

He reminded the gathering that the Sevilla Commitment, adopted in June this year, also acknowledges the LLDC Programme of action and expresses a strong commitment to its full and effective implementation. 

He added that, in this context, the roundtable serves as an important reminder for urgent actions, calling for renewed commitment and global solidarity.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that geography must no longer determine destiny. 

"With strengthened partnerships, smart investments and unwavering collective will, we can overcome limitations of 'landlockedness' and ensure economic prosperity to our people," PM Oli said while addressing the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Turkmenistan on Tuesday.

He informed that Nepal firmly believes that regional solidarity and global cooperation are vital to bridging the development divide. "We are confident that, with the continued support of our neighbours, India and China, and the broader international community, we can transform the barriers of 'landlockedness' into gateways of opportunity," PM Oli underscored. 

“As a committed member of the LLDC family, Nepal stands ready to work with all of you, not only as a beneficiary of change, but also as a partner in shaping it,” PM Oli said.

Togetherness for driving progress 

He called for togetherness to drive progress for a future interlocked by connectivity, powered by innovation and defined by resilience, inclusion and shared prosperity.

PM Oli, however, said the LLDCs continue to face persistent structural barriers: geographical isolation, dependency on transit countries, inadequate transport networks and limited integration into regional and global markets.

These challenges are even more acute for half of the LLDCs that are also LDCs. Their very geography of 'landlockedness' continues to hinder their development. He reminded that despite two decades of journey from Almaty to Vienna Program of Action, LLDCs still grapple with infrastructure and connectivity deficits, high trade and transit costs, limited diversification and little value addition, heavy reliance on primary commodity exports, low levels of private investment, and growing vulnerability to climate change and disasters. These barriers pose severe impediments to their economic growth and development, the PM argued.

LLDCs need unlocking potential

"LLDCs are not just defined by their inherent geographical constraints. They are also defined by their potential. These countries are rich in untapped natural endowments, offering many investment opportunities. They are home to youthful and innovative populations. They are increasingly engaging in the digital economy," he PM lauded, underlining the urgency to unlock such potential.

According to him, the Awaza Programme of Action offers a renewed opportunity to address these long-standing bottlenecks and seize new pathways toward inclusive and resilient growth. But we must be clear: ambition without action will not suffice, he exhorted, highlighting the need for stronger political will, renewed and strengthened global partnership that leaves no country behind, and coordinated actions at all levels. 

The Awaza PoA outlines five clear priorities under the theme of “Driving Progress through Partnership”: Structural transformation and STI; trade facilitation and regional integration; transit, transport and connectivity; climate resilience and adaptation; and means of implementation, the PM shared.

"With the right policies, strong solidarity and support, LLDCs can transition: from landlocked to land-linked, from transit-dependent to trade-competitive, and from climate-vulnerable to climate-resilient countries," PM Oli said.

In his opinion, science, technology and innovation, especially digital technologies, hold immense promise to overcome the physical limitations of LLDCs. This Conference is a call to collective resolve. It is a pathway to equity, inclusion and shared opportunity.

PM Oli underlined, "Invest in smart, sustainable, and climate-resilient infrastructure; deepen regional and subregional cooperation; harness the opportunities offered by technology to advance and accelerate development; and drive progress through inclusive global partnerships with shared responsibility."

He sought renewed commitment to convert the Awaza Programme of Action into tangible and measurable progress, for more than 570 million people who live in the LLDCs.

Awaza Programme of Action blueprint for decade

He shared that Nepal welcomed the Awaza Programme of Action as a visionary and actionable blueprint for the decade ahead. Its priorities strongly resonate with Nepal’s national goals, including our national aspiration of a “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.” 

Irrespective of being a landlocked LDC graduating next year, Nepal continues to face high transport costs, limited regional integration, and inadequate infrastructure, according to him.

Our vision is to transform Nepal from a landlocked country to a land-linked country.

The Head of the Government also informed about Nepal's investment priority like expanding highways and railways, cross-border trade routes, digital corridors, and green energy partnerships.

"We are working closely with our neighbours, India and China, to enhance connectivity and integration across multiple domains. We are also committed to aligning our efforts with regional and international initiatives to ensure that LLDC-specific vulnerabilities are addressed in broader development frameworks," he explained during the address.

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) began in Turkmenistan today. 

Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General welcomed the heads of the nations and the heads of the governments to the Conference venue at the Awaza-based Sports Complex. 

In his address to an inaugural session, the UN Secretary General stressed the need for collective efforts with essential support and coordination to increase the LLDCs' access to international competitive markets and to address challenges they are facing. 

The President of the host nation, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, stressed the need for South-South cooperation to address economic and social challenges being faced by landlocked developing countries. He also pressed the need for active engagement of parliamentary forums, youth, and civil society networks to address these challenges.

Similarly, the President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, also addressed the opening session.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the Conference as the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and in national capacity today, itself. 

The Prime Minister will also co-chair a high-level roundtable of the Conference and address other events.

Besides, the Prime Minister will meet heads of delegations from various countries and other high-level dignitaries of the UN and other international organizations on the margins of the Conference.   

Prime Minister Oli arrived here on August 4, leading a Nepali delegation.

.The Prime Minister is accompanied by his spouse  Radhika Shakya, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister  Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Member of the Federal Parliament, Surya Bahadur Thapa Kshetree, Prime Minister's private doctor Prof Dr Dibya Singh Shah, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai  and other high-ranking government officials. 

The Prime Minister is scheduled to return home on August 8.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reached Dubai as a stopover flight to Turkmenistan to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

The PM is visiting Turkmenistan to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries which is scheduled to take place in the City of Awaza on August 5-8.

The PM landed at Dubai International Airport at 3 am local time.

Nepal’s Ambassador to UAE Tej Bahadur Chhetri and other officials welcomed the PM in Dubai.

The Nepali delegation left Kathmandu for Dubai at 11:55 last night by a flight of FlyDubai.

PM Oli is visiting Turkmenistan at the official invitation of President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, and UN General-Secretary Antonio Guterres.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Turkmenistan on August 3 leading a Nepali delegation to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. 

The Conference is being held from August 5 to 8 in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

Prime Minister Oli is visiting Turkmenistan to attend the Conference at the invitation of Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan, and Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

PM Oli is scheduled to address the Conference as the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and in national capacity, according to the Ministry.

Likewise, the Prime Minister will also co-chair a high-level roundtable of the Conference and address other events.

Besides, the Prime Minister will meet heads of delegations from various countries and other high-level dignitaries of the UN and other international organizations on the margins of the Conference, the Ministry shared. 

PM Oli will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Chief Adviser to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Member of the Federal Parliament Surya Bahadur Thapa Kshetree and other high-ranking government officials during the visit.

The Ministry shared that the PM will return to Nepal on August 8.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has shared that millet was not only our indigenous food grain but a food staple with nutritional value.

In a message of best wishes on the National Millet Day today, Prime Minister Oli urged all to increase millet production and consume its dishes. 

Taking to a social networking site, he writes, "Let's increase the millet production and consume its dishes. Best wishes to all on National Millet Day!"

"The consumption of millet helps control the amount of glucose in blood as well as helps make the heart healthy as it is a fiber-rich crop. The government has decided to observe Shrawan 16 as the National Millet Day from this year to promote such nutritious food," the PM mentioned.

In the life of an individual, graduation is a moment to cherish—forever. This holds true for a nation as well.

Come 2026 and Nepal is set to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), a grouping of 44 countries from Africa (32), Asia (8), Caribbean (1) and Pacific (3), leaving behind its 54-year association with the club, as the club chair on her last legs.

Of the three criteria for graduation—gross national income (GNI) per capita, human assets index (HAI) and economic vulnerability index—Nepal has fallen a bit short of the first criteria but met the other two, becoming the first country to graduate without meeting the GNI criterion.

Let’s revisit Nepal’s scores against the three indices over the past decade.

In 2015, also the year of a massive Gorkha earthquake that left behind a trail of deaths and destruction, followed by a blockade, Nepal’s GDI per capita stood at a paltry $659 against the minimum threshold of $1248. In 2018, 2021 and 2024, its GDI stood at $745, $1027 and $1300 against the minimum thresholds of $1230, $1222 and $1306.

On the two other parameters, Nepal has consistently performed alright.

But, as they say, a miss is as good as a mile and this rings true on the GDI front, from 2015 to 2019 (the year of the Covid pandemic) and beyond.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while addressing the National Assembly recently, when the ‘hallowed’ hall was fully awake (most probably), read the upcoming graduation in an albeit different light. According to the chief executive, this shows that the implementation of (his vision) ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’  has begun yielding results.

What does this graduation mean for the country and the people? Per the PM, the improvement in the parameters in question and the upcoming graduation is an indication of Nepal heading toward self-reliance and a rising global profile of the country.

While the graduation indicates that Nepal has grown richer, how much of the riches have trickled down to the bottom rung over the years is an open question.

Analyses suggest that graduation means Nepal will no longer have easy access to cheaper international loans, that it will impact international support and assistance that Nepal has been enjoying, the number of scholarships for Nepali students will go down and that the country will have to strive harder for bringing in foreign investment, so on and so forth.

Here’s hoping that our government will be able to make the best of the opportunities that come with the graduation as well as some shocks that come with it.

Experts say that diplomacy comes handy in such situations.   

Indeed, as Eleanor Roosevelt says, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma inaugurated the 'FIFA Football for Schools' campaign today. 

During the inaugural ceremony organized by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, the Prime Minister said the government accorded priority to the further development of the sports sector. 

He also announced to build an advanced stadium in Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur.  

It is said that under the campaign around 1,000 school students will be freely provided with football besides specialized training to school teachers and football team coaches. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today held discussions with the leaders from two major ruling partners, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. 

The Prime Minister, who also serves as the UML Chair, held the meetings at the Prime Minister's official residence, Baluwatar. 

NC President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka,  UML Vice Chair and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, NC leader and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak  and the Prime Minister's chief advisor Bishnu  Prasad Rimal were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli encouraged courageous and optimistic young entrepreneurs to take the lead in fulfilling the national aspirations of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

PM Oli said so at a program titled 'Startup Entrepreneurs with PM' organized by the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute at the PM's official residence, Baluwatar, today.

Oli urged them to move forward with optimism and a vision of a developed country as well as with 'We can do!' attitude. 

"We will be graduating into developing country status in 2026. After that we will be a developing country. No one will come and build our nation. We have to do it ourselves," asserted the septuagenarian leader.

He viewed that through the use of technology, innovation and practical application, we can move towards modernization and optimum production.  "If we are committed to propel it, we can do it. Nepal will rise," said the Head of the Government. 

Nepal has formulated six strategies to address the challenges that it is set to face once it graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that all six strategies are in place.

These plans are to be implemented by various committees established to carry out these strategies: a high-level steering committee under the PM, an implementation and coordination committee under the Vice-chairperson of the National Planning Commission, a federal evaluation committee under Chief Secretary, and provincial-level implementation committees under Chief Ministers.

The government plans to reenact and lower a few laws while legislating new ones in a way that will move in harmony and sustainably, Oli said, responding to queries during a discussion in the National Assembly on the post-graduation scenario.

According to Oli, Nepal is working to make its external relations robust by effective diplomatic efforts internationally, strengthening the enforcement of international treaties and gaining international solidarity through bilateral and multilateral relations. He also stated that opportunities are opening for more investment and concessionary credit.

The state government is also geared toward overhauling legislation on public procurement and construction policy, institutional and personal capacity building, and infrastructure and connectivity upgrade to transform Nepal from a landlocked country into a land-linked country. In addition, there are attempts to stimulate value chains through multinational companies.

Oli said that measures have been devised to mitigate the impacts of graduation in the private sector, labor and employment, and trade. All sectors, he added, will be facilitated by the government in making the transition sustainable.

Oli expressed confidence that Nepal’s graduation would raise the nation’s global standing and herald efforts toward self-reliance. “It’s a point of happiness. This shows that Nepal is becoming self-sufficient. Our country rating index will also be better, and the investment climate will be strengthened further,” he added.

He also went on to say that LDC graduation would enhance Nepal’s economic diplomacy by hosting events such as Sagarmatha Sambaad and investment forums. Since bilateral trade and cooperation of Nepal are dominant, the direct impact of the graduation in this sector will be minimal in the short term, he said.

Nepal has been on the UN list of Least Developed Countries since 18 Nov 1971. It has taken 55 years, and the country is graduating in the year 2026. Nepal, the LDC group chair of 45 countries at present, has been undertaking a process for graduation from the LDC status since 2010 through regular plans and programs.

Oli explained that Nepal had progressed in the Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index and Human Assets Index, as assessed by the UN in 2015, 2018, and 2021. 

He noted that some benefits Nepal derives as an LDC—such as preferential trade from the World Trade Organization, UN special facilities and concessions from bilateral partners such as the EU and World Bank—could be restricted after graduation. The same could be true in the sectors of health and education also.

Referring to challenges such as global warming and natural disasters, Oli said the government has already embarked on diplomacy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and initiated a transition plan smoothly through the National Planning Commission. Emphasizing the commitment of the government, he said: “Some claim the government is doing nothing, but this is not true. We are already making significant strides.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the electricity tariff for irrigation has been fixed at only Rs 3 per unit. 

Taking to his social media today, the Prime Minister has also said that 500 deep borings are being dug in the drought-stricken Madhes Province.

“The work of digging 500 deep borings has started in the Tarai. Farmers will be charged only Rs 3 per unit of electricity for irrigation,” Prime Minister Oli has noted.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal's preparations for its graduation from the category of the least developed country (LDC) to a middle-income country indicate its headway towards self-sufficiency. Nepal's LDC graduation promotes the country's images globally, according to the PM. 

In his replies to the concerns raised during the discussions on the study report in regard to Nepal's LDC gradation, 2081 BS in the Upper House today, the Prime Minister said Nepal's graduation will contribute to strengthening Nepal's country rating index, creating an atmosphere for attracting foreign investment. 

It may be noted that Nepal was listed as the LDC by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on November 18, 1971. 

At present, Nepal chairs the LDC group comprising 45 countries. It has been preparing for its graduation from the LDC category to a middle-income country after 55 years. 

Nepal is scheduled to graduate in November, 2026. 

PM Oli said, following the graduation, Nepal is expected to get more opportunities for strengthening its economic diplomacy through visit diplomacy, the Sagarmatha Sambaad and investment conferences.   

"Indicators of economic improvements have been now noticed. The current 16th Periodic Plan was prepared with the projection of the post-graduation situation," the Prime Minister said. 

PM Oli informed, "Upgrading Nepal as a developing country may result in reduction of some facilities in various sectors it has been receiving as the LDC."

Oli, however, cautioned that the impact of climate change and natural disasters could hinder Nepal's progress and graduation from the LDC status.

In consideration of such prospects, he said that Nepal had been making diplomatic efforts internationally through relevant bodies. He called for collaborative efforts for the development and emphasized the need to increase production and productivity. 

"Let's make collaboration for developmental endeavors," urged the septuagenarian leader.

It may be noted that Nepal had been working towards upgradation since 2010 through various plans, budget and annual plans and programmes. 

The UN reports in 2015, 2018 and 2021 showed Nepal's progress in Human Assets Index and Economic and Environment Risk Index.

Nepal is getting a chance to upgrade itself to the developing country by 2026 mainly due to recently achieved notable growth in per capita income. 

For a smooth passage to developing country status, the government has been implementing six key strategies through a high-level steering committee led by the PM to ensure Nepal's graduation to the developing country. 

PM Oli, during his address, mentioned that Nepal had taken forward necessary processes to repeal, revise and formulate some laws for sustainable upgradation. 

PM Oli shared that efforts are being made to make Nepal a land-linked country from the landlocked one through enhanced infrastructures and connectivity network.  

Sharing that efforts are made to develop value chains through the multinational companies, the PM informed the NA that the government has prepared necessary strategies against the potential impacts on the private and business sectors after the LDC graduation. The strategies include the reforms measures to be taken in labour and employment, he said. 

The PM claimed that Nepal meets all criteria for the LDC graduation adding that our economy was on the positive growth even the global economy witnessed a negative growth. 

Oli shared that attempts have been made to further strengthen Nepal's foreign relations through effective diplomacy and effectiveness was ensured in the implementation of the international treaties and agreements.

Likewise, the PM said the government was focused on amending the Procurement Act and different policies and laws related to the construction field. 

Similarly, the PM urged the lawmakers not to generate narratives on rampant corruption based on the government actions against the corrupt figures.  

The PM also informed the NA about his visit to Turkmenistan on August 3 to take part in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.