This thesis examines logistics development strategies in Asian landlocked countries, focusing on Mongolia with comparisons to Kazakhstan. Mongolia faces significant challenges in developing efficient logistics systems that are vital for sustaining eco...
This thesis examines logistics development strategies in Asian landlocked countries, focusing on Mongolia with comparisons to Kazakhstan. Mongolia faces significant challenges in developing efficient logistics systems that are vital for sustaining economic growth. With an export-dependent economy, particularly reliant on coal, ensuring low-carbon and efficient transport is essential.
A three-tiered analytical model consisting of (1) Infrastructure and Capacity, (2) Policy and Regulatory Environments, and (3) Market Structure and Operational Efficiency will be utilized to analyze all three aspects of logistics development - the physical, the institutional, and the operational. Comparative studies have shown that while Kazakhstan has been able to successfully leverage its geographic location and consistent policy environment to invest in continued improvements to its transportation infrastructure; implement digital customs integration and develop a high level of institutional coordination; Mongolia's logistics performance continues to be impeded by a lack of effective coordination between various levels of government; a lack of multimodal connectivity; and slow progress toward implementing customs modernization.
Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, including logistics companies, investors, academic researchers, and government officials, were used to identify both systemic gaps and reform priorities that would be needed to move forward with Mongolia's logistics development. The conclusion drawn from the research was that the development of Mongolia's logistics will require long-term strategic planning by the government, greater cooperation between agencies of government, and increased participation in regional transportation frameworks. By providing actionable recommendations related to enhancing infrastructure, increasing regulatory coherence, and promoting regional integration, this research aims to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding how LLCs can transform the constraints created by their geography into opportunities for sustainable and inclusive connectivity.