Latest news with #LLDCs
Fibre2Fashion
5 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
LLDCs face steep trade losses amid global tariff surge: UNDP
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are facing heightened risks from escalating global trade uncertainties and tariff hikes, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) saying that these nations are being disproportionately impacted. For every one per cent increase in global tariff rates, LLDCs suffer an additional four per cent decline in trade volumes compared to non-LLDCs, compounding already significant income losses and structural disadvantages, according to 'An Economic Diversification Push for LLDCs: Achieving the Awaza Programme of Action,' a new policy paper. LLDCs, which rely heavily on neighbouring transit countries, face longer transit times and greater exposure to commodity price volatility. These challenges have left their GDP levels approximately 20 per cent lower than comparable coastal economies. With US tariff hikes now adding to the strain, without proactive measures, LLDCs risk being locked into cycles of economic stagnation and marginalisation, the policy paper released at the start of the Third UN International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), concluding today in Turkmenistan, cautions. 'A strategic push to diversify products and access new markets would allow LLDCs to navigate evolving trade dynamics. These include a mix of proactive and defensive strategies,' the paper said. The report presents two future scenarios. Under a business-as-usual trajectory, LLDCs will remain trapped in a narrow economic model, currently contributing just 1.3 per cent to global exports, 82 per cent of which are unprocessed primary commodities. Trade costs for LLDCs are on average 1.4 times higher than those of coastal developing countries, leaving them highly vulnerable to commodity price swings and external shocks. Alternatively, a strategic economic diversification scenario envisions LLDCs strengthening regional trade ties and expanding partnerships beyond the US. The shift is expected to increase engagement with the European Union and China, which has emerged as a critical player through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI continues to provide vital infrastructure and digital connectivity, offering LLDCs access to alternative global markets and greater opportunities for investment in value-added sectors. 'To overcome geographic and economic constraints, LLDCs must make deliberate policy choices. When governments adopt reforms that reduce reliance on traditional transit arrangements, LLDCs can systematically address their unique challenges, turning geographic adversity into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth', stated Ivana Zivkovic, UN assistant secretary-general and director of UNDP's Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The UNDP's policy recommendations align with the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), calling for bold reforms in regional integration, South-South cooperation, and investment in infrastructure and economic diversification. 'Global trade is rebalancing; traditional patterns are shifting as major players adjust their roles. Regardless of the final trade policy landscape, rebalancing presents a chance for LLDCs to secure a more favourable position if strategic policies are enacted,' the paper suggested. LLDCs face worsening trade risks amid tariff hikes, with UNDP cautioning of disproportionate impacts. A new policy paper urges economic diversification, regional trade, and stronger China-EU ties. Released at LLDC3 in Turkmenistan, it aligns with the Awaza Programme of Action, calling for reforms to turn geographic constraints into growth opportunities. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
UN Conference on LLDCs: Official Pleads for Integrated Transport Corridors to Promote Connectivity
Overcoming geographical isolation of landlocked developing countries starts with large-scale investment in integrated, multimodal transport corridors, Adil Bahi, Director of Transport Strategy, Management, and Coordination at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics said on Thursday in Awaza, Turkmenistan. Speaking at a round table organized as part of the 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Bahi stressed that major investment for this purpose should concern integrated transport corridors combining roads, railways, dry ports, and logistics platforms. To bridge the connectivity gap in LLDCs, Bahi advocated accelerating the development of multimodal infrastructure. The official also emphasized the importance of innovation and financing, noting that the latter remains a major obstacle. He thus called for better integration of transport projects into climate financing mechanisms, particularly those supporting rail infrastructure, multimodal logistics, and low-emission freight corridors. Highlighting the significance of the Royal Initiative to facilitate access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, which will help these countries benefit from Moroccan infrastructure, Bahi reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to working hand in hand with LLDCs and all partners to transform geographical constraints into corridors of opportunity based on solid infrastructure, an ambitious vision, and shared prosperity. In terms of institutional and technical capacity-building, the Moroccan official conveyed the Kingdom's willingness to support skill development efforts, particularly through its engineering, logistics, and training institutions, in favor of LLDCs willing to develop and manage cross-border transport systems. With regard to the digitization of border procedures and logistic chains, Bahi spotlighted Morocco's significant investments in port community systems and digital freight traceability, calling for harmonizing technical standards and joint corridor governance. The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held on August 5-8, aims to rethink the development path of these landlocked countries. It provides a platform for exchange between high-level delegations, international officials, investors, and organizations to discuss, in particular, devising strategies to fully integrate the specific challenges of these countries into global policies, investment plans, and perspectives related to the sustainable development agenda. The first edition was held in August 2003 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, while the second took place in November 2014 in Vienna, Austria. (MAP: 07 August 2025)
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
OIC Urges Stronger Global Cooperation to Support Landlocked Developing Countries
Mohamed Mandour Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in his intervention today at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), which is taking place in Awaza, Turkmenistan, highlighted the efforts of the OIC towards developing transport infrastructure in Member States and enhancing connectivity among them. He also emphasized that OIC's long-term goal is the establishment of integrated multimodal transport systems in the OIC countries and deepening their economic integration. He further noted that the OIC-wide initiatives fully complement the goals of the international community to address the challenges and opportunities of the LLDCs. Speaking on the Awaza Program of Action (APoA) for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) for the Decade 2024–2034, Dr. Sengendo emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between landlocked and transit countries as well as international partners. He underscored that removing barriers to the free movement of people, goods, and services, would also be essential for promoting inclusive regional and global connectivity. The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on 5th August 2025, and continues until 8th August 2025. The Conference aims to address the challenges faced by the world's 32 LLDCs, 12 of which are OIC Member States, and explore their solutions. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
AL MISNAD MEETS TURKMENISTAN'S DEPUTY PM
Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in the Turkmen city of Awaza. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, as well as discussed a number of topics of mutual interest. (QNA)
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar continues to be an effective partner for landlocked developing countries: Al Misnad
Ashgabat The State of Qatar has affirmed that it will continue to play its role as an effective strategic partner in confronting challenges and responding to global needs. Qatar has spared no effort in supporting the aspirations of landlocked developing countries and assisting them in their journey toward achieving sustainable development, under the wise directives of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which embody a solid approach to strengthening cooperation and partnership with the international community. This came in the State of Qatar's statement, delivered by Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, under the theme "Driving Progress through Partnerships." Al Misnad expressed the State of Qatar's welcome to the adoption of the Awaza Program of Action (APoA) 2024-2034, recognizing the structural challenges facing landlocked developing countries, particularly those related to transportation, transit, and logistics, which limit their ability to achieve regional integration and integrate into the global economy. She added that, in affirmation of its concern for the situation of the least developed countries (LDCs), including the LLDCs, the State of Qatar is proud of hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries in March 2023, and to continue its pioneering role in implementing the Doha Program of Action (DPoA) 2022-2031. She indicated that in this context, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in cooperation with the آ Office of the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States آ (UN-OHRLLS), is working to finance two projects within the program's outputs, which are concerned with enhancing food security and supporting countries' resilience and crisis-response capabilities. The State of Qatar is also preparing to host the high-level meeting for the mid-term review of the Doha Program of Action in 2027, to follow up on progress and enhance the implementation of commitments until 2031. She highlighted that the State of Qatar is a major investor in the United Nations Development Program Accelerator Labs Network project. She added that last year, it also launched its initiative to swap debt for investment in education, in partnership with the World Bank, based on its belief that education is a fundamental pillar of renaissance and progress. The Minister of State for International Cooperation also noted the State of Qatar's readiness to host the Second World Summit for Social Development, affirming its unwavering commitment to social development issues and in line with its vision of placing people at the center of development and strengthening international partnerships toward building more just, prosperous, and sustainable societies. In this context, she said that the international community affirmed, through the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, known as the Sevilla Commitment, its commitment to continuing to implement the Doha Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries and the Program of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024-2034). Al Misnad pointed out that the document called for strengthening efforts to achieve sustainable development and accelerating the integration of landlocked developing countries, least developed countries, and small island developing states into the international trading system by improving infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure, developing statistical systems, removing trade barriers, expanding partnerships, and facilitating access to concessional financing. She reiterated the State of Qatar's full commitment to working with all partners at various levels to implement the Awaza Program of Action and to continue its support for landlocked developing countries in their quest to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for their people.
