PM Oli calls for urgent investment in infrastructure and connectivity for LLDCs

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for urgent global action to address the structural challenges faced by Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), stressing that sustainable infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and unrestricted transit are critical for their economic transformation.

Addressing a roundtable on Infrastructure and Connectivity in Landlocked Developing Countries during the ongoing Third UN Conference on Least Developed Countries in Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Oli emphasized that these three components are not optional for LLDCs, but rather serve as their economic lifelines.

“Our progress continues to be hindered by a lack of sea access, remoteness from global markets, high trade costs, delayed transit, limited connectivity, and fragile infrastructure,” Oli said, urging stakeholders to focus on innovative solutions to these persistent barriers.

He emphasized the need for integrated and climate-resilient infrastructure that connects regions and the importance of digital technologies to unlock new opportunities. He also called for simplified, harmonized, and modernized customs procedures to create reliable and predictable transit systems.

Highlighting Nepal’s development goals, Oli said, “‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ is the aspiration of our people,” adding that Nepal has prioritized infrastructure, connectivity, and transit to achieve durable and accelerated economic growth.

He said Nepal is actively strengthening cross-border linkages and remains committed to deepening partnerships with neighboring countries and beyond in the spirit of economic cooperation and regional integration.

Referring to the Awaza Programme of Action, the Prime Minister reiterated that infrastructure, connectivity, and transit are essential pillars of growth, resilience, and hope for LLDCs.

“As we enter the next decade of action, let us renew our collective determination to connect LLDCs — physically, digitally, and economically — to global opportunities,” he said. “Let us deliver on the promise and build a future where no states are left behind.”