On the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a round table was held to discuss their key challenges and prospects. Participants stressed the importance of a multilateral approach to sustainable development and economic cooperation. This was reported by the IIC.
Landlocked countries depend on their neighbours with ports, but this situation can become the basis for mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, transport and investment.
Particular attention was paid to infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth. The President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank noted that modern transport and energy networks contribute to regional integration.
He cited projects outside Asia as examples, in particular the construction of an airport in Addis Ababa and the modernisation of transport routes in Côte d'Ivoire, which have enabled landlocked countries to join global supply chains.
Participants agreed that sustainable development is only possible with improved transport connectivity and active international cooperation.