During the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation was held. The event brought together representatives of international organisations, regional associations and governments of the Global South to discuss regional integration, trade promotion and sustainable development. This was reported by IIC.

Session moderator Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), drew attention to the high trade costs for landlocked countries, which on average exceed those of coastal states by 30%. He stressed the importance of digital solutions and coordination between customs authorities to reduce these costs.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan noted that countries in the Global South account for a significant share of global trade. She called for greater regional integration and investment in infrastructure projects, including transport corridors in Central Asia.

Mammetguly Astanagulov, Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, highlighted the need to harmonise legislation and develop logistics systems. He pointed to the potential of transit corridors through Central Asia as an important element of economic growth.

President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun expressed the bank's readiness to finance sustainable projects that meet international standards in partnership with other financial institutions.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of South-South cooperation in overcoming trade and infrastructure barriers.