PM Oli Urges Turning Landlocked Challenges into Opportunities for Growth

 KATHMANDU, AUGUST 5

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for stronger global cooperation to help landlocked countries like Nepal overcome geographic limitations and achieve economic growth.

Speaking at the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) on Tuesday, Oli stressed that geography should no longer determine a nation’s future. “With stronger partnerships, smart investments, and united global efforts, we can turn the challenges of being landlocked into opportunities for prosperity,” he said.

He highlighted Nepal’s strong belief in regional and global collaboration, noting that continued support from neighboring countries like India and China, along with the wider international community, could help bridge development gaps.

A Call for Connection, Innovation, and Inclusion

The Prime Minister called for collective action to create a future based on better connectivity, innovation, resilience, and inclusion. He also acknowledged the many challenges faced by LLDCs—like isolation, reliance on transit countries, weak infrastructure, and poor access to international markets.

“These challenges are even tougher for landlocked countries that are also Least Developed Countries,” Oli added. Despite two decades of global efforts under programs like the Almaty and Vienna Programmes of Action, many LLDCs still face high trade and transit costs, limited economic diversity, low private investment, and growing climate risks.

Unlocking the Potential of Landlocked Nations

“Being landlocked doesn’t define us. Our countries are rich in resources, filled with young innovators, and are increasingly involved in the digital economy,” Oli said. He described the new Awaza Programme of Action as a chance to solve long-standing problems and promote inclusive, sustainable growth. But he warned that ambition alone is not enough—real change needs strong political will and global cooperation.

The Awaza Programme of Action outlines five key priorities:

  1. Economic transformation and innovation

  2. Trade and regional integration

  3. Transit and connectivity

  4. Climate resilience

  5. Practical ways to make these goals happen

“With the right policies and support, LLDCs can shift from being landlocked to being land-linked, from relying on transit routes to being competitive in trade, and from being vulnerable to climate change to being more resilient,” Oli explained. He also emphasized the role of digital technology in helping overcome physical barriers.

Nepal’s Commitment and Road Ahead

Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s strong support for the Awaza Programme, saying its goals match Nepal’s vision of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.” Although Nepal is graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status next year, it still faces high transport costs, poor connectivity, and outdated infrastructure.

“We want to turn Nepal from a landlocked country into a land-linked one,” he said, adding that Nepal is focusing on improving highways, railways, cross-border trade routes, digital networks, and green energy.

He concluded by saying Nepal is working closely with both India and China to boost regional connectivity and ensure that the unique needs of landlocked countries are fully addressed.

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