Africa-Press – Botswana. Transport connectivity is a lifeline for the socio-economic survival of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) says the Global Chaiperson of the Group of LLDCs and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
Dr Kwape was addresing a two-day ministerial meeting of the LLDCs in Yerevan, Armenia, on 14-15 December.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Dr Kwape was delivering a statement on the theme, ‘Enhancing equitable, affordable and inclusive transport connectivity as a driver for sustainable and resilient economies’.
The theme highlighted achievements and challenges that LLDCs faced in implementing the Vienna Programme of Action that would be drawing to an end in 2024.
Dr Kwape says it is crucial to transform landlocked countries into landlinked countries and emphasised the important role of safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for LLDCs in boosting economic growth and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hence he encouraged continued support and increased investment in transport connectivity for both hard and soft infrastructure.
The Minister also appreciated the progress made by LLDCs on the expansions and upgrading of rail, road, ports, air transport and closing missing links within LLDCs.
He added that transport connectivity was a major challenge for LLDCs, saying on average, these countries pay more than double of what the transit countries incur in transport costs.
He also said it takes a longer time for LLDCs to send and receive merchandise and other essential commodities from overseas markets, which further compounds the cost of transport.
Dr Kwape said exorbitantly high transport costs erode LLDCs’ competitive edge, discourage investors and reduce economic growth. Thus creating unfavourable terms of trade and hindering the growth of the economy and achievement of sustainable development.
Therefore, he stressed the importance of expanding transport infrastructure, which demanded very high investment, far beyond the capacities of the LLDCs and the transit countries.
He said to address the challenges facing LLDCs, there was need for more integrated international cooperation and continuous and dedicated efforts from all the LLDCs, in a more coherent and coordinated manner to develop and maintain quality, affordable, accessible, resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure and transit systems.
He called for phasing out of cumbersome and prolonged transit procedures and simplified border measures to increase transport efficiency and encouraged the use of information technology to increase productivity at the corridors.
Dr Kwape also called for enhanced infrastructure financing capacity, as well as leveraging new and innovative financing sources and new funding mechanisms, including blended finance and green bonds to expand private-public partnerships and infrastructure financing for LLDCs.
The minister also stressed the need for the timely holding of the ministerial meeting in the lead up to the third UN Conference on LLDCs to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 18-21 June 2024, which will adopt a new programme of action for the next decade.
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