The private sector remains a vital engine of progress and a key partner for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in their pursuit of sustainable economic growth, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said during his address at the Private Sector Forum in Avaza, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3), Business Turkmenistan reports.

According to Guterres, landlocked countries face the highest transport costs, limited market access, dependency on external infrastructure, and are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. At the same time, these countries hold untapped potential in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, digital technologies, and the extraction of strategically important resources essential for the global energy transition.

The UN Secretary-General emphasized that unlocking this potential requires coordinated efforts between governments and the private sector. Key areas of cooperation include infrastructure development, logistics, digital connectivity, and clean energy. “The Avaza Programme of Action lays out a clear roadmap for integrating LLDCs into the global economy,” Guterres stated.

He identified priority actions such as investing in cross-border infrastructure, modernizing customs procedures, expanding blended finance mechanisms, enhancing environmental resilience, and developing human capital. Particular emphasis was placed on empowering women and youth, as well as promoting entrepreneurship.

Guterres reiterated his call for reforming international financial institutions to give developing countries greater representation and better access to resources. He noted that multilateral development banks must scale up lending, take a more active role in de-risking private investment, and mobilize capital at the scale required.

“These goals are not abstract — they represent real entrepreneurs, farmers, and young innovators,” Guterres said. “By investing in LLDCs, we invest in our shared future.” He urged the business community to seize this opportunity to expand global markets and help achieve the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries is a gathering of all UN Member States — including LLDCs, their transit neighbors, development partners, and others — to address the challenges and opportunities facing landlocked nations.