Geneva: Amid calls from landlocked developing countries for more transportation infrastructure and transit corridors, one speaker at this morning’s round-table discussion at the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries encouraged those countries to use existing international instruments to enable smoother transit.
According to EMM, the theme of the round table was Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and promoting unfettered transit systems for landlocked developing countries. Umberto de Pretto, Secretary-General of the International Road Transport Union, highlighted Switzerland’s experience as a landlocked country, emphasizing that geography does not dictate a country’s future. He encouraged landlocked developing countries to consider solutions beyond physical infrastructure, pointing out the futility of building roads if drivers face long delays at borders.
The discussion highlighted that transit costs can be significantly higher for landlocked countries compared to coastal states. Emile Zerbo, Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Mobility of Burkina Faso, noted the structural challenges faced by his country due to the distance from the nearest transit port. A recent study indicated that transport costs represent a substantial portion of total costs for West African countries lacking direct sea access. Zerbo stressed the importance of regional transport corridors and interconnected infrastructure to enhance economic competitiveness.
Fatou Haidara from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) underlined the economic significance of transport corridors, describing them as lifelines where goods, services, and people move across borders. She emphasized the role of digital connectivity and reliable energy corridors as crucial factors in improving connectivity for landlocked countries, highlighting various projects supported by UNIDO in regions like Central Asia and Bhutan.
Leila Batyrbekova, representing the Europe and Central Asia Transport and Trade Association, shared her personal experience of the challenges faced by landlocked countries, calling for improved infrastructure and better maintenance. She emphasized the need for harmonized customs procedures and digitalization to enhance connectivity.
Madina Sissoko Dembele, chairing the meeting, called for innovative resources to improve access to global markets, noting that transit costs can significantly burden landlocked developing countries. The discussion saw several delegates from landlocked countries, such as Lesotho, Laos, and Zimbabwe, highlighting their unique challenges and efforts to improve regional connectivity.
Gateway countries like Angola, Tanzania, and Bulgaria outlined their contributions to regional connectivity efforts. Angola’s Lobito Corridor and Tanzania’s modernization of the port of Dar-es-Salaam were highlighted as key initiatives. Bulgaria emphasized its role in enhancing transport connectivity and digital infrastructure.
The representative of the European Union stressed the importance of soft infrastructure measures, such as digitalization and harmonized customs procedures, alongside physical infrastructure. Poland advocated for resilient infrastructure, encouraging landlocked countries to consider a recent General Assembly resolution on global resilience.
Dima Al-Khatib from the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation called for substantial investment to address the finance gap for least developed countries, urging for financing mechanisms that do not impose additional burdens. She emphasized the need for cooperation and partnerships focused on mutual benefit.