Ulaanbaatar, December 4, 2025, The United Nations and Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are jointly conducting a National training on “International Trade and Transport Policy for Landlocked Developing Countries” on 4–5 December 2025. The event brings together 55 participants from key government agencies, including the Ministry of Road and Transport, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Customs General Administration, the Mongolian Maritime Administration, and Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC.

Globally, 44 countries are landlocked, 32 of which are developing nations. These countries face structural challenges, including high transport costs, limited competitiveness, low trade volumes, and insufficient infrastructure, leaving Many of them classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Research shows that exports from landlocked countries travel an average of 1,370 kilometers to reach the nearest seaport, with transit procedures and border efficiency significantly influencing logistics costs.

The training highlights the importance of economic diversification, shifting from dependence on raw materials toward value-added and sustainable products, supported by reliable transport and logistics systems. This focus aligns with global efforts to strengthen regional integration and develop shorter, more resilient supply chains.

Participants emphasized that, given the reliance of landlocked countries on major international corridors and multiple border crossings, border modernization and Digital transformation are essential to improving trade efficiency and competitiveness.