Executive summary

The Asia-Pacific least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, which collectively are referred to as “countries with special needs”, are a heterogenous group of countries that vary significantly in their economic size, population size and geographic features. Notwithstanding their differences, these economies face deep structural impediments in their pursuit of sustainable development. Thus, while landlocked developing countries suffer from high transport costs to world markets owing to their lack of access to the sea, small island developing States are particularly constrained by their geographic isolation and their smallness, which translates into lack of economies of scale. Least developed economies face the challenge of overcoming low levels of human development and are confronted with high levels of economic vulnerability.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Reduced Inequalities