CFC and ITTLLDC Sign Landmark MoU at LLDC3 Conference in Awaza, Turkmenistan
Awaza, Turkmenistan – 6 August 2025 – The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC) have formalised a new partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
The signing ceremony, held on the sidelines of the conference, brought together senior officials, UN representatives, and development partners. The MoU was signed by Andrey Kuleshov, Chief Strategy Officer at CFC, and Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director of ITTLLDC. It marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the two institutions to support the economic transformation of LLDCs through targeted research, capacity-building programmes, and policy dialogue. This milestone builds on earlier discussions initiated in 2024 to establish a formal partnership between ITTLLDC and CFC in preparation for the UN Conference on LLDCs in Kigali.
Aligned with the newly adopted Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034), the agreement focuses on reducing transit and trade costs, improving physical and digital connectivity, enhancing resilience to climate change, and developing sustainable commodity value chains. Both parties will work together to identify priority areas for joint action, launch analytical studies on trade facilitation and market access, and support the design of investment-ready projects that benefit LLDCs.
A Framework for Collaboration
The MoU provides a framework for systematic consultation, exchange of information, and cooperation on areas of mutual interest. This includes:
- Research and Policy Dialogue: Joint analytical work on transit transport, trade facilitation, and market access to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in LLDCs.
- Co-financing Opportunities: Identification of projects in countries of common membership for potential co-financing, appraisal, and monitoring in line with each organisation’s rules and procedures.
- Capacity Building: Collaboration on knowledge-sharing, workshops, and policy forums to support LLDC governments and regional organisations.
- International Advocacy: Joint representation in relevant meetings and advocacy platforms, including UN General Assembly side events and COP climate conferences.
Next Steps
Under the MoU, CFC and ITTLLDC will:
- Launch joint research projects on connectivity, trade facilitation, and climate-resilient value chains.
- Organise thematic workshops and policy dialogues with LLDC governments and regional organisations.
- Collaborate on international advocacy platforms, including UN General Assembly side events and COP climate conferences.
The partnership will also explore synergies with CFC’s ACT Fund, a $100 million blended finance facility supporting agri-SMEs, to promote inclusive growth and value addition in commodity-dependent economies. Joint activities will include co-hosting thematic workshops, convening high-level forums at international events such as the UN General Assembly and COP climate conferences, and advocating for LLDC issues at the global level.
About CFC
The Common Fund for Commodities is an intergovernmental financial institution mandated to improve livelihoods in developing countries through sustainable commodity development and value chain financing. Established in 1989, CFC provides financial and technical support for projects that enhance productivity, diversify exports, improve market access, and create income opportunities for smallholders and SMEs. Working with public and private partners, the CFC focuses on building inclusive and sustainable commodity value chains, with an emphasis on innovation, climate resilience, and poverty reduction.
About ITTLLDC
The International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries is a global policy and research hub dedicated to analysing key challenges and enabling effective solutions for LLDCs. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and policy coordination among its member states. ITTLLDC supports evidence-based policymaking, advances international advocacy, and contributes to the implementation of the Vienna and Awaza Programmes of Action, working with governments, international organisations, and academia to promote sustainable development in landlocked economies.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
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