Round Table 2: Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration for Landlocked Developing Countries

Round Table 2: Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration for Landlocked Developing Countries

(The full press release will be available at a later time.)

AWAZA, TURKMENISTAN (6 August) - The Conference holds its second interactive thematic round table this morning on the theme "Seizing the transformative potential of trade, trade facilitation, and regional integration for landlocked developing countries".

Trade challenges faced by landlocked developing countries will be addressed, noting that these countries account for a small share of global trade despite comprising a significant portion of the population. Landlocked developing countries struggle with high transit costs and complex trade routes, leading to economic vulnerabilities.

The round table will discuss the role of trade facilitation agreements, digital trade, and e-commerce as potential solutions. Regional integration will be highlighted as a pathway to improve trade and diversify exports, especially through collaboration with neighbouring transit countries and multilateral trade systems.

Moderated by K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, and Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice-President of the Gambia, it will feature a keynote address by Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Also speaking will be five panellists: Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister for Trade and Entrepreneurship of Botswana; Maryam bint Alim bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation of Qatar; Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Ian Saunders, Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization; and Asad Majid Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization.

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