SESRIC has unveiled a new report titled “Transportation for Development in OIC Member Countries: Implications for Trade and Tourism & Challenges for Landlocked Countries.” This comprehensive publication offers critical insights into the state of transportation networks in OIC member countries, emphasising how transportation infrastructure impacts economic growth, trade, tourism, and sustainable development.

Briefing on the links between transportation and economic development, the report explores how improved transport infrastructure and interconnectivity can drive socio-economic growth, regional integration, and resilience against environmental impacts. With eight out of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) directly or indirectly tied to transportation, the report underscores – in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda – the importance of sustainable transportation in achieving broader social, economic, and environmental goals.

Drawing on extensive data and regional analysis, the report highlights the significant role transportation plays in economic integration among OIC member countries, which span across diverse geographical regions and collectively encompass nearly one-sixth of the world’s land area. However, the findings underscore that current transportation infrastructure faces a range of challenges—from limited connectivity in road, rail, air, and maritime networks to the logistical hurdles impacting trade and tourism. These infrastructure gaps not only constrain economic activity within individual member countries but also affect broader regional integration, making sustainable transportation development a key priority.

The report reveals that despite the OIC’s substantial trade and tourism potential, transportation infrastructure limitations are impeding progress in these vital sectors. Improving transport connectivity, according to SESRIC’s findings, is essential to unlocking greater economic potential and supporting mutually beneficial trade relations within the OIC and beyond. A well-connected transport infrastructure is foundational for trade growth, enabling access to new markets and enhancing the competitiveness of OIC member countries on a global scale. Enhanced trade corridors and logistical improvements are critical for reducing transportation costs, improving efficiency, and fostering economic resilience.

On the tourism front, the report notes that OIC member countries possess a rich blend of natural, cultural, and historical assets, making them highly attractive destinations. Yet, underdeveloped transportation networks, combined with barriers such as visa costs and limited private sector involvement, hinder the full realisation of this tourism potential. SESRIC emphasises that collaborative strategies, particularly in transportation infrastructure, are needed to support a sustainable tourism sector across the OIC region.

A focal point of the SESRIC report is the analysis of challenges faced by the twelve landlocked OIC member countries, which face specific constraints on trade and development due to their lack of direct access to seaports. These nations encounter elevated trade costs and longer transit times, which place them at a disadvantage in global markets. Dependency on neighbouring transit countries, lengthy distances to international ports, and additional border crossings add substantial costs to goods traded by these landlocked countries.

To address the identified challenges and maximise the potential benefits of transportation, SESRIC’s report provides a detailed set of policy recommendations for OIC member countries. These include increasing investment in transportation infrastructure, promoting intermodal connectivity, adopting evidence-based policy frameworks, and strengthening cross-border cooperation on transportation initiatives. Member states are encouraged to collaborate on long-term and short-term plans, particularly in supporting landlocked nations and enhancing regional trade and tourism prospects.

As a resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the global development community, SESRIC’s report serves as a comprehensive guide to advancing transportation development across OIC countries. It aims to catalyse informed decision-making, foster cooperation, and pave the way for a well-connected, sustainable future for transportation in the region.

Online Electronic Version

• Transportation for Development in OIC Member Countries (English) (Arabic) (French)