Vienna: 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, emphasized that geography does not dictate the future, citing Switzerland as an example. He encouraged landlocked developing countries to consider solutions beyond physical infrastructure, noting the inefficiencies caused when drivers face long waits at borders.

Transit costs for landlocked countries are notably higher than those for coastal states. Emile Zerbo, Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Mobility of Burkina Faso, highlighted that transit costs represent a significant portion of total costs for West African landlocked countries compared to their coastal counterparts. He emphasized the necessity of regional transport corridors to mitigate these challenges and improve economic competitiveness.

Fatou Haidara from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) emphasized the importance of transport corridors as economic lifelines, crucial for reducing logistic costs and improving business predictability. She also highlighted the role of digital connectivity in reaching global markets and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Leila Batyrbekova, from the Europe and Central Asia Transport and Trade Association, stressed the need for well-maintained infrastructure and the harmonization of customs procedures to improve connectivity. She shared her personal experience of the challenges faced when traveling from Belgium to the conference.

Madina Sissoko Dembele, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure of Mali, called for innovative resources to ensure access to global markets during her closing remarks. She emphasized the high transit costs faced by landlocked developing countries and the need for partnerships and synergistic actions.

During an interactive discussion, representatives from various landlocked developing countries, including Lesotho, Laos, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, highlighted their unique challenges and plans for improving connectivity. Gateway countries like Angola, Tanzania, and Bulgaria outlined their efforts to ensure their landlocked neighbors are connected through initiatives like the Lobito Corridor and modernizing ports and road networks.

The European Union representative pointed out the necessity of human-centered digitalization and streamlined border management to complement physical infrastructure. Poland’s representative highlighted a General Assembly resolution on infrastructure connectivity and encouraged landlocked developing countries to implement it.

Dima Al-Khatib from the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation called for massive investment to close the $500 billion finance gap for least developed countries, emphasizing the need for financing mechanisms and partnerships based on mutual benefit.