PM Oli stresses sustainable infrastructure and connectivity for landlocked developing countries

TURKMENISTAN: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said sustainable infrastructure, robust connectivity and seamless transit are essential pillars of growth, resilience and hope in landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), reinforced by the Awaza Programme of Action.

Addressing a high-level thematic roundtable on ‘Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and promoting unfettered transit systems for landlocked developing countries’ today in Turkmenistan, he described them as a lifeline, forming the backbone of economic transformation and essential for competitiveness.

‘As we enter the next decade of action, let us renew our collective determination to connect LLDCs — physically, digitally and economically — to global opportunities. Let us focus on infrastructure, connectivity and transit as urgent imperatives for equity, inclusion and shared progress,’ the Prime Minister said.

He noted that progress continues to be hindered by lack of sea access, remoteness from global markets, high trade costs, delayed transit, limited connectivity and fragile infrastructure. ‘This is the best forum to discuss these challenges and their innovative solutions,’ he reiterated.

He added: ‘To overcome these structural challenges and vulnerabilities, we must invest in integrated and climate-resilient infrastructure that connects regions. We must harness digital technologies to unlock new opportunities. We must create seamless transit systems that are reliable, efficient and predictable. We need to simplify, harmonise and modernise customs procedures.’

He said it is time to deliver on the promise and build a future where no state is left behind.

Nepal’s priority: seamless transit

On this occasion, PM Oli shared Nepal’s ambition of ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali’. To fulfil this aspiration, Nepal has prioritised sustainable infrastructure, improved connectivity and seamless transit systems for durable and accelerated economic growth.

He informed delegates that Nepal is actively expanding and reinforcing cross-border linkages to ensure smooth and uninterrupted transit and trade, and is committed to deepening its partnership with neighbouring countries and beyond in the spirit of economic cooperation, regional integration and shared progress.

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