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H.E. Mr. Mammethan Chakyyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan,
Mr. Dmitry Mariyasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe 
Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,

It is an honour to welcome you to the Connectivity Track of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

It is a pleasure to be with you again Mr. Minister for yet another connectivity meeting today. This speaks clearly of the critical importance of connectivity for LLDCs. 

We gather here in Awaza united by a shared vision.

A vision of a world where Landlocked Developing Countries are vibrant, connected participants in the global marketplace.

Transport and transit connectivity are key enablers of this transformation.

At present, LLDCs face significant economic disadvantages due to their geographical constraints. 

They spend twice as much on transport and insurance for exports than other developing countries; and three times more than developed countries. 

They suffer from extended transit times, caused by a combination of their remoteness, challenging terrains, and inadequate infrastructure. 

Coupled with inefficient transit systems in neighboring countries, this can result in considerable delays by up to - 42 days for imports, and 37 days for exports.

These challenges reduce their trade competitiveness and deter foreign investment.

The causes of this difficult economic reality are clear.

?   Paved road density in LLDCs is just 12% of the global average. They require nearly 200,000 kilometers of additional paved roads to reach international standards. Railway infrastructure deficit is equally stark, with an estimated 46,000 kilometers required to reach international benchmarks. Air connectivity remains fragmented and underfunded.

?   Border crossings are frequently subject to long delays due to inefficient transit procedures and inadequate adoption of digital technologies. 
?   And they face significant challenges with last-mile internet connectivity. This results in high costs and low penetration rates, averaging 39% compared to 87% in developed nations.

The result is a transit environment that is unpredictable, exclusionary, and costly.

The Awaza Programme of Action places connectivity at the heart of sustainable development. It envisions a future where LLDCs are no longer constrained by geography but empowered by opportunity.

There are encouraging signs. For instance: 
?   The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - also known as the Middle Corridor - moved more than 4.1 million tons of cargo in just eleven months last year. This is a 63 percent increase over the previous year. 
?   In Central Asia, the CAREC Advanced Transit System is digitizing customs and harmonizing procedures. 
?   Across Africa, the Single African Transit Guarantee Scheme is facilitating faster and more predictable trade flows across borders. 
These are examples of what is possible when vision is met with commitment.

For today’s discussion, let me focus on five key priorities that will determine whether we can truly transform from being landlocked to land-linked.

First, investment in physical and digital infrastructure is critical. 

From underdeveloped road networks to missing rail links, the infrastructure deficit in LLDCs remains persistent. 

The APOA calls for the establishment of an Infrastructure Investment Finance Facility. 

This has the potential to unlock investment in sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure through blended finance and partnerships.

Second, sustainable transport systems must be strengthened. 

The upcoming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, beginning in 2026, provides a timely opportunity to reimagine connectivity that is inclusive, low-emission, and climate-resilient. 
The Awaza POA urges LLDCs and their development partners to integrate multimodal systems that link economic hubs with last-mile communities.

Third, ensuring smooth and efficient transit is crucial. Cumbersome border procedures and lengthy delays need to be replaced with harmonized, modern systems. 

It is important to harness the full benefits of the WTO trade facilitation agreement. 

Currently, LLDCs’ implementation rate of this agreement remains at 61.8%, compared to 81% among developing countries overall.  They need enhanced support for trade facilitation. 

We must also harness the power of digital transformation through interoperable data platforms, electronic customs, and smart corridor management systems. 

The APOA has mandated the creation of a High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit to remove such policy and legal bottlenecks.
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Fourth, strengthening multimodal transport systems and accelerating regional integration are essential. 

Transport corridors should be recognized as economic corridors - linking dry ports, highways, rail, and border posts. 

Today, LLDCs represent 7% of the world’s population but account for only 1.1% of global merchandise exports. 

The APOA calls for investments and policy coherence to close this gap and double its share by 2034.

[And] finally, it is imperative to have inclusive and innovative partnerships. 

The APOA calls for stronger South-South cooperation, greater engagement with regional organizations, and more catalytic partnerships with the private sector. 

Financing will be key. We must scale up the use of innovative financial instruments - such as green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships - that align public goals with private capital.

We must ensure that no one is left behind in this transformative agenda. 

The benefits of improved connectivity must extend to all - especially women, indigenous and rural communities - who too often remain on the margins of development. 

Connectivity must empower communities, and unlock shared prosperity.

The APOA is more than a policy framework - it is a call for bold, coordinated action. 

Let us move from rhetoric to results; from barriers to bridges; from being landlocked to being land-linked. 

I thank you.