New York: Amid calls from landlocked developing countries for more transportation infrastructure and transit corridors, a round-table discussion at the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries highlighted the importance of using 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, shared insights from Switzerland's experience, emphasizing that geography does not dictate a country's future and encouraging landlocked countries to consider solutions beyond physical infrastructure.
Billions are being spent on infrastructure, but delays at borders negate these efforts, de Pretto noted. He emphasized that trucks idling at borders lead to economic stagnation and environmental harm due to emissions. Emile Zerbo, Burkina Faso's Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Mobility, highlighted the significant cost difference in transport between landlocked and coastal countries, noting that transit costs for landlocked nations are substantially higher.
Zerbo detailed Burkina Faso's initiatives to improve infrastructure and logistics, including electronic and aerial cargo tracking systems and the SIGMAT transit goods management system. Future projects include establishing a transport professional training center and enhancing rail links and airport infrastructure.
Fatou Haidara of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) emphasized that transport corridors are crucial economic lifelines. She highlighted the importance of digital connectivity and reliable energy corridors in reducing costs and improving business predictability.
Leila Batyrbekova, from the Europe and Central Asia Transport and Trade Association, called for more and better-maintained infrastructure, stressing the importance of improving customs procedures and digitalizing processes to enhance connectivity.
Madina Sissoko Dembele, Mali's Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, called for innovative resources to secure global market access, noting the high transit costs faced by landlocked countries. Interactive discussions revealed shared challenges among landlocked nations, including Lesotho's enclave position and the high logistical costs faced by Laos.
Gateway countries like Angola and Tanzania outlined their efforts to connect with landlocked neighbors, treating connectivity as a regional public good. Bulgaria highlighted the Middle Corridor's role in linking Central Asia and Europe, while the European Union focused on the importance of digital and energy infrastructure alongside physical developments.
Dima Al-Khatib from the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation called for significant investment to close the $500 billion finance gap for least developed countries, emphasizing the need for supportive financing mechanisms and partnerships.