The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a Private Sector Forum as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). The forum was attended by representatives of business, government and international organisations, according to the state news agency TDH.

The forum provided a platform for discussing key challenges facing 32 countries, such as high transit costs, dependence on raw material exports and the need to diversify their economies. The main focus was on the role of the private sector in sustainable growth, industrialisation and digital transformation.

Particular attention was paid to the development of logistics, the simplification of customs procedures, the introduction of digital technologies, as well as issues related to the ‘green’ economy and adaptation to climate change. The importance of the digitalisation of trade and financial services, support for youth entrepreneurship and the protection of intellectual property was also highlighted.

The forum concluded with the adoption of a document containing recommendations in four areas: trade and transit, growth opportunities, digital development, and financing and investment. The final step was the creation of a Global Business Network for Landlocked Developing Countries, a platform for ongoing interaction between businesses, investors and government agencies.

Thus, the Private Sector Forum has become not only a discussion platform, but also a mechanism for strengthening the role of the private sector in the development of landlocked countries.