On 5 August, the Private Sector Forum, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), kicked off in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

The event was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, together with a number of UN agencies, international organisations and financial institutions.

The forum brought together representatives of the UN, government agencies and business to discuss the role of the private sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in LLDC countries. The focus is on trade development, transport, digitalisation, investment and improving the business climate.

Participants paid particular attention to issues such as removing logistical barriers, expanding transport and transit infrastructure, digital solutions and mechanisms to support entrepreneurship. It was noted that the lack of access to the sea remains a key challenge for these countries, but that strategic development of the private sector and international cooperation can become drivers of growth.

During the forum, Turkmenistan's policy in the field of transport and digital infrastructure was presented, including the implementation of major regional projects such as the Ashgabat Agreement and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran highway. The country is positioning itself as an important logistics hub and is actively developing multimodal corridors, sea and air transport.

The importance of investment in human capital, support for small and medium-sized businesses, and the digital transformation of logistics processes was emphasised separately. Participants expressed confidence that joint efforts would enable LLDC countries to overcome geographical constraints and achieve sustainable economic growth.