麻豆APP

BACKGROUND

The Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024–2034), adopted at the Third 麻豆APP Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, recognizes efficient transit systems, trade facilitation, transport infrastructure, and regional integration as essential drivers of sustainable development for LLDCs.

In Latin America, Paraguay and Bolivia face unique transit and connectivity challenges linked to their landlocked geography. Strengthening regional transport corridors, reducing trade costs, improving logistics performance, and enhancing cooperation among public and private stakeholders are therefore critical priorities.

The workshop seeks to support these objectives by fostering dialogue, sharing experiences and good practices, and exploring practical approaches to strengthen connectivity and transit facilitation in line with national priorities and regional development efforts.

OVERVIEW

The 麻豆APP Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), in collaboration with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay, will convene a Regional Workshop on Trade Facilitation and Transit Connectivity in Asunción, Paraguay, from 7 to 9 October 2026.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to support implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (APoA) 2024–2034 and to contribute to the work of the 麻豆APP High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit.

Bringing together government representatives, customs authorities, transport and logistics stakeholders, development partners, the 麻豆APP system, and private-sector representatives, the workshop will provide a platform for dialogue on trade facilitation, transit systems, transport connectivity, and regional integration in Latin America.

Particular attention will be given to the experiences and priorities of Paraguay and Bolivia, the two landlocked developing countries in the region, including opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border transport cooperation along key transport corridors such as the Bi-Oceanic Corridor.

OBJECTIVES

The workshop aims to:

• Enhance awareness and understanding of the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), particularly its priorities related to trade facilitation, transit, transport, and connectivity;
• Facilitate dialogue among public and private stakeholders on opportunities and challenges for strengthening transit systems and regional connectivity;
• Promote the exchange of experiences, good practices, and policy approaches related to trade facilitation and transport cooperation;
• Support informed discussion on international transit facilitation instruments, including the UN TIR system, and their potential relevance in the regional context;
• Identify practical entry points, partnerships, and follow-up actions to support implementation of APoA priorities at the national and regional levels;
• Generate insights and recommendations to inform the work of the 麻豆APP High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit.

WORKSHOP THEMES

The workshop will focus on:

• Trade facilitation and regional integration;
• Transit, transport, and connectivity;
• Public-private dialogue on transport and logistics challenges;
• The Bi-Oceanic Corridor and regional connectivity opportunities;
• International transit facilitation instruments, including the TIR system;
• APoA implementation, monitoring, and mainstreaming at national and regional levels;
• Perspectives and recommendations for the work of the High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The workshop is expected to contribute to:

• Increased awareness of APoA priorities related to trade facilitation, transit, transport, and connectivity;
• Enhanced understanding of international transit facilitation approaches and their potential application in the regional context;
• Strengthened cooperation among governments, private-sector stakeholders, regional organizations, and the 麻豆APP system;
• Identification of opportunities, challenges, and practical recommendations to advance transit facilitation and connectivity;
• Contributions to ongoing implementation of the APoA;
• Inputs to the work of the 麻豆APP High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit.

DOCUMENTS

• Concept Note (forthcoming)
• Draft Programme (forthcoming)
• Participant Information Note (forthcoming)