28 May 2010
Palais des Nations, ROOM XXV
Transport and trade facilitation: infrastructure and services to enhance the competitiveness of landlocked and transit developing countries
Access to efficient transport services, combined with conducive and transparent cross-border operations, is vital for developing countries' export competitiveness in overseas markets. In this regard, landlocked developing countries are confronted by particular challenges: the availability and quality of transport infrastructure, the negotiation and enforcement of bilateral and regional transit arrangements, and multiple border-crossing procedures and controls in neighbouring transit developing countries. A collaborative approach is needed, where both the landlocked and the transit developing countries seek win-win situations to benefit from the synergies and economies of scale of their combined overseas trade. In this context, the course will first provide an introduction to the logistics of international trade and discuss the various relationships between trade, transport costs and effective access to global transport networks. Secondly, key issues of trade and transit facilitation will be introduced, with a special focus on international transit. Thirdly, the course will present developments and best practices in transit infrastructure and seaports serving the overseas trade of landlocked developing countries. Finally, collaborative approaches for public and private stakeholders in landlocked and transit developing countries will be presented.
Delivered by: Trade Logistics Branch, Division on Technology and Logistics