2013年-世界发展银行全球_Improving_Trade_and_Transport_for_Landlocked_Developing_Countries___World_Bank_Contributions_to_Implementing_the_Almaty_Programme_of_Action_52页_2mb

Summary of "Improving Trade and Transport for Landlocked Developing Countries"

Core Content

This report, prepared by the World Bank in June 2013, evaluates the progress and challenges in improving trade and transport for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) since the adoption of the Almaty Programme of Action (APoA) in 2003. It highlights the World Bank's contributions to implementing the APoA and outlines the key areas of focus and outcomes.

Main Objectives of the Almaty Programme of Action (2003)

• Secure access to and from the sea through various transport means, in accordance with international law.
• Reduce costs and improve services to enhance the competitiveness of LLDC exports.
• Lower the delivered cost of imports for LLDCs.
• Address delays and uncertainties in trade routes.
• Develop adequate national transport networks to reduce loss, damage, and deterioration during transit.
• Enable export expansion.
• Improve the safety of road transport and security of people along corridors.

Key Policy Priorities

The APoA identified five priority policy areas for LLDCs and transit countries:

1. Transit Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Review and establish regional transport corridors.
2. Infrastructure Development: Develop multi-modal transport networks (rail, road, air, and pipeline).
3. Trade and Transport Facilitation: Implement international conventions and instruments, including WTO regulations.
4. Development Assistance: Provide technical support, encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), and increase official development assistance (ODA).
5. Implementation and Review: Improve monitoring of transit instruments and conduct comprehensive reviews.

Trade Trends in LLDCs Since the Adoption of APoA

• Trade Growth: From 2000 to 2011, the total trade of LLDCs increased nearly 6 times, at an average annual rate of 18.8 percent, which is higher than the global average of 10.6 percent.
• GDP Growth: LLDCs experienced a faster growth in GDP per capita (3.8 percent annually) than the global average (1.5 percent).
• Export Growth: The export value of LLDCs increased almost seven times, with Central Asian countries showing the highest growth (almost 8 times) and Sub-Saharan African countries showing a 4-fold increase.
• Trade Openness: Central Asian LLDCs showed a larger trade openness index than other regions, similar to high-income countries, but this index declined due to over-reliance on energy and mineral exports.
• Export Diversification: Most LLDCs remain heavily dependent on a few products, with only a few countries (e.g., Moldova, Macedonia, Kyrgyz Republic) showing significant diversification.

Logistics Performance and Trade Costs

• LPI Performance: Landlocked countries have shown some improvement in logistics performance, but there is still no convergence with transit and coastal countries.
• Trade Costs: LLDCs tend to have higher trade costs compared to transit and coastal countries. The decrease in trade costs for transit countries with the U.S. and Germany between 2000 and 2009 was almost double that of LLDCs.
• Factors Affecting Performance: Differences in logistics performance are influenced by infrastructure quality, customs procedures, and the efficiency of transport corridors.

World Bank's Contributions

The World Bank has been actively supporting LLDCs through:

• Transport Infrastructure Projects: Financing projects that improve connectivity and reduce transport costs.
• Trade Facilitation Initiatives: Implementing international standards and improving customs procedures.
• Regional Integration Projects: Supporting corridor-based initiatives and institutional reforms.
• Research and Tools: Developing methods to identify and address constraints in trade and transport.

Examples of Projects and Initiatives

• South-west Roads - Western Europe-Western China International Transit Corridor: Enhancing regional connectivity.
• Corridor Projects in West Africa: Strengthening transport links and trade facilitation.
• Nepal-India Regional Trade and Transport Project: A multi-pronged approach to project design.
• Proposed Central Asia Road Links (CARs) Program: Aimed at improving transport networks in the region.

Conclusion

The report reiterates the continued relevance of the APoA's objectives in the context of the World Bank's strategic goals. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by LLDCs through sustained financial and technical support, institutional reforms, and regional integration. The World Bank remains committed to helping LLDCs achieve inclusive and sustainable development through improved trade and transport systems.