Yaoundé, 25 March 2026 – A Ministerial Meeting of the group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) was held on the margins of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14), focusing on their deeper integration into the multilateral trading system.

During the meeting, participants discussed key structural challenges faced by LLDCs, including high trade and transit costs, limited transport and digital connectivity, a narrow export base, and vulnerability to external shocks.

The meeting resulted in the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration reaffirming Members’ commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system, as well as the need to take into account the specific challenges of landlocked developing countries.

The Declaration places particular emphasis on the further implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, as well as ensuring efficient, predictable and non-discriminatory transit. It also highlights the importance of developing transport and digital infrastructure, enhancing the participation of LLDCs in global value chains, and strengthening the role of digital trade and e-commerce. In addition, it underlines the importance of establishing a dedicated WTO work programme on LLDCs.

During the general debate, delegations emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, digitalization of trade procedures, reduction of logistics costs, and mobilization of international support, including through the Aid for Trade initiative.

In his intervention, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO, Kairat Torebayev, noted that Kazakhstan, as a landlocked country, continues to invest in the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and international transit corridors. Particular attention is being given to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which has demonstrated significant growth in cargo volumes in recent years.

Kazakhstan also highlighted the importance of digitalizing trade procedures, developing single window mechanisms, and strengthening regional coordination with transit partners.

Overall, participants reaffirmed the need to move from political statements to practical measures aimed at reducing trade costs and enhancing the integration of LLDCs into the global economy.