The World Trade Organization (WTO) members recently held their first focused session on landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi of Nepal, who remarked, “This focused session responds to the mandate of our Ministers at the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.”
Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme of Botswana, serving as coordinator for the LLDC Group, highlighted the unique challenges faced by these nations. She stated, “For LLDCs, being landlocked is more than just a geographical reality. It is a persistent barrier that shapes our economic landscapes and affects the daily lives of our people.”
In support of this initiative, a video message from the Under Secretary-General for the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS) was shared. The message emphasized that “this is an important first step for the WTO in implementing the new Programme of Action for LLDCs for the Decade 2024–2034,” which is anticipated to be adopted soon by the United Nations.
Representatives from several countries including Armenia, Barbados (on behalf of the WTO Organisation of African, African Caribbean and Pacific group), Chad, Nepal and Paraguay advocated during this session. They called for increased attention to structural constraints impacting LLDCs and urged equitable access to international trade systems to enhance economic resilience and progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
An informal discussion titled “Strengthening Trade Infrastructure in LLDCs” followed this session. Participants emphasized investing in transport infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce business costs while enhancing trade competitiveness. Additionally, digital trade infrastructure's role in advancing development objectives was noted along with calls for further investment in renewable energy infrastructure to support sustainable trade growth. This panel included representatives from LLDCs such as Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia and Paraguay; regional bodies like UN ESCAP and East African Community; alongside donor governments including Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Currently, there are 32 LLDCs globally with 26 holding membership within WTO while five maintain observer status.