Kathmandu, August 6: Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has called for regional and global support to help landlocked countries like Nepal turn geographic challenges into economic opportunities.
Speaking at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, Oli said that Nepal is actively working with its neighbours India and China to improve cross-border connectivity and trade access.
“We are confident that, with the continued support of our neighbours, India and China, and the broader international community, we can transform the barriers of ‘landlockedness’ into gateways of opportunity,” Oli said, according to a statement from his office.
Oli emphasized that for Nepal, improving connectivity is central to unlocking economic growth and reducing the development gap. “Regional solidarity and global cooperation are vital for bridging the development divide,” he added.
He also reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the LLDC agenda and said the country is ready to contribute not only as a recipient of development assistance but as an active partner in shaping policies and solutions.
Nepal, which shares long borders with both India and China but lacks direct sea access, has historically relied heavily on Indian ports for trade. However, recent infrastructure agreements with China and expanded rail and road links with India are part of a broader push to diversify its transit routes and enhance its regional integration.
This strategic positioning between the two Asian giants gives Nepal an opportunity to evolve from a landlocked country into a land-linked hub—if investment and cooperation continue.