Landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in Asia face a unique paradox: isolated by geography, yet strategically positioned to leap-frog into a sustainable and connected future. Green Economy Solutions for Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries argues that these developing nations—from Nepal and Bhutan in the Himalayas, through the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia, on to Laos along the mighty Mekong—can transform their perceived bottlenecks into gateways for green and digital development.

Published in collaboration with the International Think Tank for LLDCs (ITTLLDC) — established in 2009 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and mandated by the UN General Assembly as a specialized inter-governmental body with UN observer status — this edited volume brings together leading scholars and policy experts to chart a new path for development. Moving beyond traditional aid and infrastructure debates, the book explores practical, homegrown solutions for developing economies, such as warehousing as a connectivity tool, carbon trading for climate finance, e-governance to bypass border inefficiencies, and the surprising potential of organic standards and sovereign bond markets.

From Eurasian transport networks to regional trade facilitation, the book examines cross-border frameworks alongside national experiences—whether exploring the Lao–China Railway, Uzbekistan's IT revolution, or Bhutan's pursuit of Gross National Happiness. Each chapter delivers evidence-based insights for policy-makers, investors and researchers working in—or with—these developing countries.

Green Economy Solutions for Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how Asia's landlocked developing economies can harness digital and green transitions—not despite their geography, but because of it.

Dr. Edoardo Monaco is an international development specialist with nearly two decades of field research experience across Asia and the Pacific. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences at Beijing Normal – Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) and is a Member of the Chinese chapter of the Club of Rome. His multidisciplinary work is grounded in law, international relations, economics, and natural resource governance. It examines how developing nations—especially landlocked, least developed, and small island countries—navigate economic diversification, inclusive innovation, and sustainable growth. Dr. Monaco advises international organizations and think tanks and frequently contributes to global media.

Dr. Nick J. Freeman is a consultant specialising on the challenges of economic transition and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific’s less developed and developing countries. His work has primarily focused on issues of foreign investment, private sector and financial sector development, as well as the promotion of conducive enabling environments for domestic business and entrepreneurship. In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Freeman has published widely, and is an Associate Fellow of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

Dr. Masato Abe serves as an Economist at the United Nations Multi-Country Resident Coordinator Office in Micronesia, based in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). He brings extensive expertise in enterprise development and development finance, with particular emphasis on the micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector, global value chains, disaster risk reduction, and financial inclusion. Before joining the secretariat of the United Nations, he accumulated substantial industry experience in the global automotive, electronics, and high-technology sectors. He has published numerous books, book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, policy papers, and other scholarly and professional works. He holds academic degrees in marketing, business administration, and economics.