The Third UN International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries will be held in the Turkmen resort of Avaza from August 5 to 8, within the framework of which the Avaza Action Program until 2034 will be adopted. This is reported by Orient.
The event is designed to address key problems of states that do not have direct access to seaports. According to the organizers, such countries incur transportation costs 30% higher than coastal states, and cargo delivery times are 35-45 days compared to 15-20 days for countries with maritime borders.
Economic indicators show continental states lagging behind significantly. Their GDP growth does not exceed 2-3% per year, while coastal countries show 4-5%. GDP per capita in landlocked countries is 40-60% below the world average and their share in global trade is less than 1%.
The economic structure of such states is characterized by a high dependence on raw material exports, which exceeds 80% of the total volume of supplies abroad. The agricultural sector generates up to 17% of GDP and provides jobs for more than half of the able-bodied population, which creates vulnerability to fluctuations in world commodity prices.
Central Asia demonstrates positive development dynamics, showing an economic growth of 6.2% over the last decade against the world average of 2.6%. Intra-regional trade has increased 4.5 times, mutual investments have doubled, and the number of joint ventures has grown fivefold.
Among the region's major transportation projects are the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad, increased cargo traffic along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey route, and the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor. These initiatives are aimed at reducing logistics costs and accelerating trade turnover.
Within the framework of regional integration, the Concept of Cooperation Development "Central Asia-2040" has been adopted, the Road Map for 2025-2027 and the Action Plan on Industrial Cooperation have been approved. Uzbekistan, chairing the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, is promoting the creation of a Single Regional Market and a Central Asian Investment Council.
Prospects for further cooperation include deepening cooperation in hydropower, renewable energy sources, nuclear power, as well as the formation of a common educational space with mutual recognition of diplomas of the region's leading universities.
Add a comment.