Awaza, Turkmenistan — The indispensable role of parliaments in addressing the trade-related challenges of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) was emphasised at the Parliamentarians’ Forum, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
The forum, organised by the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), convened from August 5 to 8, 2025, in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
The forum aimed to mobilise legislative support for the Awaza Action Plan, which outlines concrete measures to tackle systemic trade barriers and promote sustainable development in LLDCs.
Fethi Mahdi (PhD), Member of the House of People’s Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, delivered a compelling presentation during the pre-conference panel session.
His paper, titled “Establishing and Strengthening a Trade System That Benefits Landlocked Developing Countries,” detailed Ethiopia’s experience as a landlocked nation and underscored the pivotal role of legislative bodies in transforming trade frameworks.
In his remarks, Dr. Fethi highlighted several persistent challenges Ethiopia faces as a landlocked country, including high logistics costs, inefficient port services, infrastructure bottlenecks, maritime security risks, and limited integration into global value chains.
He stressed that without direct access to a seaport for over three decades, Ethiopia’s growth potential remains severely constrained, impeding inclusive development and regional competitiveness.
Although Ethiopia is nearing its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession, he argued that this milestone alone will not be sufficient. Dr. Fethi called for innovative trade partnerships, expanded regional port access, and a strategic parliamentary role to ensure that trade policies benefit all stakeholders equitably.
The panel discussion also underlined the accountability of national parliaments in aligning the Awaza Action Plan with domestic policies through legislation, oversight, and inclusive governance.
Parliamentarians were urged to serve as watchdogs and facilitators, ensuring that global frameworks are effectively translated into tangible progress at the national and regional levels.
The forum served as a critical platform for dialogue among lawmakers, experts, and development partners on best practices, shared challenges, and the legislative tools needed to overcome structural trade disadvantages faced by LLDCs.
By STAFF REPORTER