Global LLDC Workshop

Advancing Trade and Transport Connectivity for Landlocked Developing Countries: Trade Cost Estimation, Bankable Projects, and Digital Innovation for Sustainable Connectivity

Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face persistent challenges in accessing global markets due to geographical constraints, high transport and trade costs, and limited infrastructure connectivity all of which hinder their ability to integrate effectively into the global economy and undermine progress toward sustainable development. This four-day global-level capacity-building workshop convenes policymakers from LLDCs and some transit countries, with technical experts and practitioners to strengthen evidence-based approaches for developing and financing trade and transport connectivity.

This global meeting comprises two interconnected workshops. The first two-day workshop focuses on equipping participants with practical tools for assessing transport and trade constraints and bottlenecks along transit corridors. This involves theory and hands-on training on a suite of easily applicable top-down and bottom-up tools followed by peer learning, experience sharing, and the exchange of policy best practices, to strengthen evidence-based policy design.

The second builds on the previous sessions to focus on how to develop related bankable transport infrastructure projects and leverage digital solutions for trade and transport facilitation. Participants will explore practical insights into project preparation, financing strategies, and digital integration. Participating financial and technical institutions will provide guidance and demonstrations.

The purpose of the workshop is to contribute to strengthening LLDC transport and trade connectivity in line with the Awaza Programme of Action for the Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034 (APoA). Its specific objectives are to improve associated technical skills and policy design. Expected outcomes include increased capacity to estimate and understand trade and transport costs and bottlenecks, greater preparedness to implement bankable transport infrastructure projects, and improved use of associated digital tools and techniques.