It has been stated that the role of parliaments is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries in relation to international trade and in fostering sustainable development.
This was announced at the Parliamentary Forum held in Avaza city, Turkmenistan, as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
Fethi Mahdi (Dr.), a member of the House of Peoples' Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, participated in the forum and presented a paper titled "Establishing and Strengthening a Trading System that Benefits Landlocked Developing Countries" during a panel discussion held at the pre-conference event.
In the paper presented, Fethi Mahdi (Dr.) highlighted the multifaceted challenges Ethiopia faces as a landlocked country, primarily explaining that high logistics costs, inefficient and unreliable port services, inadequate infrastructure, maritime security threats, and limited participation in global value chains are the main challenges.
Fethi Mahdi (Dr.) noted that Ethiopia is in the final stage of becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) but emphatically stated that the country must gain access to alternative sea outlets to participate fairly and inclusively in the global trading system.
He further explained that Ethiopia's landlocked status for the past three decades and more has caused numerous and diverse problems, posing a significant impediment to its journey towards comprehensive growth and prosperity.
During the panel discussion, the crucial role of parliaments was emphasized. Specifically, it was stated that Members of Parliament are expected to give special attention to and monitor the alignment of the plans and goals within the Avaza Programme of Action with national plans and goals, as well as their proper implementation, through lawmaking, oversight, and other missions of the House.
Information received from the site indicates that the forum, organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, took place from August 05-08, 2025, in Avaza city, Turkmenistan. The conference aimed to raise awareness among parliamentarians about key development challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the Avaza Programme of Action, to exchange experiences at various levels, and to identify concrete actions to achieve the goals of the Programme of Action.
