OREANDA-NEWS. IRU underlined how landlocked developing countries can benefit from implementing key UN facilitation and security instruments, at a conference in New York last week.

Igor Runov, IRU Under Secretary General, highlighted TIR’s track record in streamlining customs procedures at borders to facilitate trade. He also cited the benefits of implementing the UN Harmonization Convention and the need for an innovative approach to financing hard and soft road infrastructure, including blended financing from the public and private sector.

In this context, the recently launched Global Partnership for Sustainable Transport was highlighted as an important coordinating and supporting mechanism to promote best practice and contribute to implementing the Post 2015 Development Agenda in transport-related areas.

Organised by the UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the conference brought together delegates from Small Island Developing States and international organisations, to discuss the progress in implementing the Vienna Programme of Action.