CAREC Institute Participates in Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) took place in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from 5 to 8 August 2025. Held once every ten years, the conference centered on the theme “Driving Progress through Partnerships” and brought together more than 20 heads of state, along with over 3,000 participants including policymakers, development partners, experts, and business representatives from around the world. Thirty-two landlocked developing countries, including eight CAREC members, continue to face challenges from their lack of direct access to seaports. LLDC3 served as a platform to address these issues, attract investment, and advance the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034) and Awaza Political Declaration.

As LLDCs work with the international community to make cross-border trade faster, more efficient, and less costly, they have the potential to turn geographic barriers into strategic advantages by becoming “landlinked” rather than “landlocked.” On 6 August, the Connectivity Track opened with remarks from senior officials, including Mr. Mammethan Chakyyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan; Ms. Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS; and Mr. Dmitry Mariyasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNECE. During the session on Regional Integration Initiatives, Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of the Research Division at the CAREC Institute, spoke on the importance of turning transport corridors into economic corridors to boost trade, create jobs, and attract investment. He emphasized: “By transforming transport corridors into dynamic economic corridors, we can unlock new opportunities for trade and development, benefiting millions across the region.” Dr. Ghulam also stressed the need for closer cooperation among landlocked and transit countries, as well as regional organizations, to better align infrastructure, regulations, and investment plans.

During the discussion, Dr. Ghulam outlined how LLDCs could leverage CAREC’s analytical tools and policy recommendations to enhance trade facilitation. The CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring (CPMM) Tool identifies inefficiencies and supports evidence-based reforms, and policy research provides practical guidance on trade logistics and corridor development. CAREC also promotes regional cooperation with transit countries, and partnerships with organizations such as the Asian Development Bank help to mobilize resources and provide technical assistance for trade reforms.

The CAREC Institute will continue to support its member countries by offering knowledge products and promoting the adoption of innovative solutions in domestic reforms. Researchers, policymakers, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders are encouraged to use these resources, work together, and find new ways to make trade routes more efficient and resilient.