On 05 August 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) secretary general (SG) released the following statement:
Being landlocked should not mean being locked out of opportunity - the role of customs in connecting landlocked developing countries
Landlocked, but not disconnected
This week, the international community gathers in Awaza, Turkmenistan, for the Third United Nations (UN) Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). While geography should not define a nation’s destiny, the reality is that it can impose real costs. LLDCs face trade expenses approximately 30% higher than countries with sea access, increasing their economic vulnerability and limiting access to global markets.
These challenges are not incidental. They are rooted in geographic constraints, underdeveloped infrastructure, and procedural inefficiencies along transit routes. Addressing them requires strong cooperation mechanisms at both national and regional levels, reinforced by digital tools and harmonised customs procedures and practices. The global customs community, under the leadership of the World Customs Organization (WCO), plays a pivotal role in bridging existing gaps and supporting LLDCs in overcoming systemic barriers.
The connecting power of customs
Modern transport infrastructure is a great asset, but without proper policies and harmonised and efficient customs procedures in place, it won’t necessarily reduce difficulties at the border. Focus must also be put on the enabling side of things: processes, procedures, legal frameworks, investment in people and their capacity to manage, and IT. Customs administrations’ core responsibilities make them central to enabling smoother and more cost-effective transit. Their ability to analyse operating procedures, enhance coordination with border agencies, and facilitate real-time data exchange is essential. When these efforts are coupled with standardised procedures and practices along transit routes and streamlined guarantees, they reduce delays and lower trade costs.
However, technical reforms alone are not enough. Success depends on countries being committed to sustained cross-border collaboration, consistent application of international rules, and open dialogue with the private sector. Data-driven approaches must also be adopted to guide corridor improvements and prioritise investments so that they can have the greatest impact. Customs authorities are uniquely placed to lead these efforts with the backing of the WCO’s technical expertise and tools - such as the WCO Time Release Study to identify bottlenecks – the WCO Data Model to standardise and streamline customs data exchange in support of efficient clearance decisions.
The value of international norms
The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) offers LLDCs a robust framework for harmonising and modernising customs procedures. As of March 2025, 23 of the 32 LLDCs are contracting parties to the RKC, yet only 11 have accepted Chapter 1, Customs Transit of Specific Annex E of the RKC. The remaining LLDCs face constraints such as limited administrative capacity, legal complexity, financial pressures, and competing policy priorities. A lack of awareness about the RKC’s practical benefits also contributes to delays in accession and implementation.
To address these obstacles, the WCO, working closely with regional institutions and development partners, provides targeted technical assistance, legal guidance, and capacity-building support. Sharing success stories, promoting peer dialogue, and adopting phased implementation models can help build the confidence and momentum needed for reform. For LLDCs, accession to the RKC and its transit annex is more than a legal milestone. The commitment it entails is a strategic investment in efficient and predictable border operations that can yield long-term economic returns.
WCO: Bringing tools, knowledge, and real impact
With 186 members, including 32 LLDCs, the WCO has created practical tools to guide customs reform, including the operating procedures related to efficient transit. The WCO’s Transit Guidelines and Transit Handbook address two fundamental questions: What constitutes efficient transit, and how can it be implemented? These resources cover a range of key topics, from transit guarantees and customs seals to risk management and integrity systems for border agencies. Combined with the Compendium of Best Practices in the area of Transit, they bridge the gap between policy recommendations and real-world best practices.
In 2024 alone, the WCO delivered 102 national-level activities across 26 LLDCs. These focused on trade facilitation, enforcement, digital transformation, and strengthening Customs leadership. Over 75% of these interventions were tailored to individual national contexts, reflecting the WCO’s commitment to country-specific needs. The results are tangible. Participating administrations have begun implementing faster clearance systems, enhancing risk profiling, and piloting digital guarantees. These steps directly reduce border delays and increase trade efficiency. Some have also implemented initiatives with neighbouring administrations to facilitate and secure transit operations, for example, jointly conducting time release studies, organising joint training, establishing regional tracking systems, and carrying out joint controls.
Looking ahead: customs as a catalyst for opportunity
Through a combination of national, regional, and multi-regional engagements, the WCO continues to strengthen customs capabilities and promote inclusive trade for LLDCs. These efforts are not abstract. They directly support sustainable development and resilience in some of the world’s most geographically disadvantaged economies by enabling them to benefit from global supply chains and even play a significant role in regional logistics.
At this week’s conference, my message is clear: with sustained commitment and strong partnerships, customs administrations, supported by the WCO, can be the catalyst to ensuring LLDCs are no longer locked out of opportunity but firmly connected to it.
