Mirziyoyev proposes global agreement for landlocked countries

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed developing a global agreement on transit guarantees for landlocked countries under the auspices of the UN. He made this statement today, August 5, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the Avaza National Tourist Area in Turkmenbashi.

The event, chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, as well as heads of several other states and governments, international, and regional organizations.

According to the agenda, key issues discussed included strengthening transport connectivity, simplifying trade procedures, transforming economies, increasing resilience to climate change and environmental threats, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

At the beginning of his speech, the head of Uzbekistan praised Turkmenistan’s efforts in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting global and regional stability and prosperity.

He emphasized that the issues discussed at the conference are of vital importance, as the geographical distance from seaports and the need to cross several countries create objective challenges.

These include high tariffs, limited transport corridors and infrastructure, and dependence on the customs and transit policies of other states.

According to the World Bank, due to high transport costs and transit instability, the Central Asian region loses up to 2 percent of its gross domestic product annually.

Logistics costs account for up to 60 percent of the price of goods—several times higher than the global average.

In this context, the development of new, reliable transit corridors and logistics infrastructure has become a key condition for sustainable development in Central Asia.

“The agenda that unites us today concerns a fundamental issue — the issue of justice. This is to ensure that landlocked countries have the opportunity to participate in the world economy on equal terms,” said the leader of Uzbekistan.

At the same time, three fundamental conditions must be met to address this urgent challenge:

These are the modernization of infrastructure as a basis for sustainable development, strengthening interconnections to prevent transit disruptions, and ensuring the right to development, which is a key element of global equality.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has taken systematic steps to build a modern transport and logistics network with active private sector involvement. Significant progress has also been made in digitizing trade and transport processes.

Ongoing structural economic reforms, the liberalization of the trade system, and a radical improvement in the investment climate are producing tangible results: competitiveness has increased and innovative development has accelerated.

“The fact that mutual trust and partnership in Central Asia have reached a new level is providing a powerful impetus for rapid change,” the head of state concluded.

Today, a unified transport and logistics hub is being established in the region. Programs and projects are underway to transform Central Asia into a comprehensive transit center connecting East and West, North and South.

In recent years, the volume of trade has increased 4.5 times, surpassing \$11 billion. Investments have doubled, and the number of joint ventures has grown fivefold.

This year, construction began on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with international partners, while the volume of cargo transported along the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey corridor has significantly increased.

To address the shared challenges facing landlocked countries, the President of Uzbekistan put forward several concrete proposals and initiatives.

First, he emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to accelerate the development of international transport corridors and supporting infrastructure.

In this context, he underscored the importance of expediting the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project and linking it with the under-construction China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan line.

“This opens up great opportunities for the formation of a new trade and economic space and a sustainable transport infrastructure in our vast region,” the Uzbek leader stated.

He also called for the full utilization of the Middle Corridor’s potential—primarily by adopting a harmonized transit policy, unifying regulations, and introducing fair container transportation tariffs.

Additionally, the President of Uzbekistan proposed the development of a Global Agreement on Transit Guarantees for Landlocked Countries under the auspices of the United Nations.

This agreement would aim to ensure fair access to ports and communication lines, mitigate transport risks, and reduce inequality within global logistics systems.

Recognizing the increasing need for flexible financing mechanisms for major infrastructure projects, the President proposed creating a UN-backed fund to support the logistics integration of landlocked nations. The estimated annual investment requirement for Central Asia’s transport infrastructure stands at approximately \$40 billion.

He also suggested establishing a Global Vulnerability Index for Landlocked Countries to objectively assess transit-related limitations, expand access to international financial and technical programs, and allocate resources more effectively based on actual conditions.

The President highlighted the importance of implementing an Innovation Hub for agricultural development in Uzbekistan. This would support the adoption of adaptive agricultural technologies, promote water-saving innovation, enhance food security, and facilitate knowledge exchange.

He also emphasized the need to engage leading experts and research institutions in formulating solutions to shared challenges, including through international conferences and roundtables.

“Such events could focus on deeper integration of our countries into global production chains, accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, expanded cross-border investment, and support for startups,” the President said.

It was also announced that Uzbekistan intends to participate in the activities of the International Analytical Center for Landlocked Countries.

In conclusion, the President reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to constructive, long-term cooperation in shaping a more equitable global development architecture.

At the close of the conference, participants adopted the Avaza Political Declaration.

It should be noted that President Mirziyoyev previously took part in a special event dedicated to preparations for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.