Aid-for-Trade Global Review - Session on "Aid for Trade: Improving LLDCs' Connectivity"

Background

Due to their geographical location, Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) lack direct access to seaports, and they rely on their transit neighbors for access.  They therefore face a myriad of challenges with respect to connectivity including, inadequate transport infrastructure, multiple border crossings, complex administrative transit and border procedures.
Regarding ICT connectivity, LLDCs depend on neighboring coastal countries for access to undersea cables and international internet bandwidth. Often, costs for ICTs in LLDCs are relatively high. 
These transport and ICT connectivity challenges result in higher trade costs and render their exports uncompetitive and greatly impact their efforts to harness trade to support their sustainable development. 
COVID-19 has further exposed and exacerbated the LLDCs challenges. The closing of borders and the introduction of measures to curb the spread of the virus further increased LLDCs’ trade costs. The increase in the use of digital solutions and surge in use of e-commerce further revealed gaps in LLDCs’ digital connectivity. 
The session will bring together all relevant stakeholders with a view to explore solutions to addressing LLDCs’ connectivity challenges and the role of Aid for trade. It will highlight the importance of enhancing LLDCs’ transport and ICT connectivity in building back better post COVID-19 and in achieving sustainable development. 

Participation

The meeting will be attended by representatives from LLDCs, Transit countries, development partners, UN organizations and other relevant international and regional organizations as well as the private sector. 

Organizers 

The meeting will be organized by Botswana, Chair of the Group of LLDCs and UN-OHRLLS.  

Outcome   

An official summary of the discussions will be issued as an outcome of the meeting. 

Draft Programme

Moderator:  H.E. Dr. Athaliah L. Molokomme, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva

Opening remarks

• H.E. Dr. Athaliah L. Molokomme, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva
• Ms. Heidi Schroderus-Fox, High Representative (Acting) for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS

Panelists 

• H.E. Ms. Zhanar Aitzhanova, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UN Office and other international organizations at Geneva
• Mr. Bill Gain, Global Lead, Trade Facilitation, Customs Reform & Border Management, Trade & Regional Integration Unit, World Bank Group
• Ms. Tatiana Rey-Bellet, Director – TIR & Transit, International Road Transport Union
• Ms Dolores Halloran, Acting Secretary, WTO TF Committee, World Trade Organization

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