Why in the News?

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), aiming to address their unique challenges.

Key Targets of the 10-Year Action Plan for LLDCs (2024–2034):

The Programme of Action for LLDCs aims to address their unique challenges through targeted actions across 5 priority areas:

• Structural Transformation and Innovation:
  • Promote economic diversification and industrialization.
  • Advance science, technology, and innovation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
• Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration:
  • Simplify and enhance trade processes to improve access to global markets.
  • Strengthen participation in regional and global trade agreements.
  • Reduce trade costs through better policies and infrastructure.
• Transit, Transport, and Connectivity:
  • Develop and modernize transit infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports.
  • Improve connectivity to reduce dependence on neighboring countries.
  • Enhance customs procedures to ensure smoother transit of goods.
• Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters:
  • Build adaptive capacities to address vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
  • Develop strategies to reduce disaster risks and mitigate environmental challenges.
• Means of Implementation:
  • Mobilize financial resources, technical assistance, and international support.
  • Foster partnerships among governments, international organizations, and private sectors.

What Are Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)?

• LLDCs are nations that lack access to a coastline and are surrounded by neighboring countries.
• Currently, there are 32 LLDCs, primarily in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
• List of LLDCs:
  1. Africa: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
  2. Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
  3. Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia.
  4. South America: Bolivia, Paraguay.
• Challenges Faced by LLDCs:
  • High Trade Costs: LLDCs face 1.4 times higher trade costs than coastal nations due to dependence on neighboring countries for transit and lengthy customs procedures.
  • Limited Market Access: Lack of direct access to global markets restricts their ability to compete internationally and increases transportation costs.
  • Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road, rail, and communication networks hinder connectivity and efficient trade operations.
  • Climate Vulnerability: LLDCs are highly susceptible to climate change impacts like droughts and floods, with limited resources to mitigate risks.
  • Economic and Political Dependence: Over-reliance on transit countries for trade routes leads to geopolitical challenges and limits economic diversification.

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