Transport Costs for LLDCs Reach 15–20% of Export Trade Value

Transport costs for developing landlocked countries (LLDCs) amount to 15–20% of the value of their export trade, while coastal states spend only 7–10% on logistics. This was stated by Azat Ataev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, during the Youth Forum held on Monday in the Avaza National Tourist Zone as part of the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs.

More than 80% of LLDCs depend on the export of raw materials and low value-added products, which account for over 60% of their foreign trade. Forum participants highlighted the urgent need to diversify economies and improve logistics infrastructure, taking into account geographic challenges.

Special attention was given to the role of youth. In landlocked countries, the average population age is 24.5 years, presenting significant opportunities to boost productivity and drive innovation. Young professionals in these countries are already generating economic activity worth over $2.5 trillion, accounting for 2.2% of global GDP.

The forum is being held under the United Nations “Youth 2030” strategy and aims to actively engage the younger generation in implementing the Avaza Programme of Action for LLDCs.

Turkmenistan initiated the forum as part of its ongoing cooperation with the United Nations. The event contributes to the practical implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution that declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust — an initiative proposed by Turkmenistan.