KATHMANDU, Jan 26: Participants attending a program on Thursday have argued that the landlocked countries were lagging behind economically in lack of transportation, excessive fees and taxes. 

The first-of-its-kind event with 'Economic Development of Landlocked Countries' as a subject was organized in Lalitpur by the Embassy of France, Nepal Economic Forum (NEF), the Alliance Francaise de Katmandou (AFK) and Institut Francais. 

Participants, mostly development professionals and experts, underscored airways connectivity among all the 46 landlocked countries across the world for facilitation of the economic activities. 

The debate event carrying a theme "A Common World' is being simultaneously organized in other 45 landlocked countries under the theme 'Night of Ideas'. 

Swarnim Wagle, member of the National Planning Commission of Nepal, insisted on effective diplomatic measures to secure sufficient investment on the construction of physical infrastructures for the development of the landlocked countries. 

French Ambassador to Nepal Yves Carmona spoke of the need for Nepal to expand trade of high value niche markets like ginger, pashmina and medicinal plants besides enhancing service sector. 

Similarly, UN Resident Coordinator Valerie Julliand, said that the UN has formulated various conventions, treaties and appointed special representative to ensure the prosperity of the landlocked countries. 

Global Development Network President Pierre Jacquet highlighted the need to provide landlocked countries an easy access to international markets. 

Fellow Research Foundation's fellow Anasua Basu Ray argued that the development of basic infrastructures such as telecommunications, transportation, energy among others would ensure economic development to landlocked countries. RSS 

 
• global deliberation
 
• economic development
 
• landlocked countries