Subject. The strategy of international trade for Chad – a landlocked country – with a focus on the proximity paradox phenomenon: a situation where geographical proximity does not ensure economic accessibility due to infrastructure and administrative barriers. Objectives. To develop and verify a methodology for the adjusted real distance (ARD); to quantitatively assess the gap between the geographical and economic distances between Chad and its key partners; to create a strategic partner ranking based on a multidimensional assessment; and to formulate practical recommendations for trade policy. Methodology. The study employed the gravity model, the systems method, and the composite indicators method. Results. A progressive methodological approach was applied: from straight-line distance to the actual route, followed by adjustments using an infrastructure factor (1.5) and an administrative barriers factor (1.3), based on World Bank data. An integrated ARD indicator was developed. Applying this metric to Chad’s trade relations revealed a strategic paradox: the nearest neighbor, Cameroon, remains the most economically accessible partner, but its technological and financial capacity is insufficient to meet Chad’s long-term development needs. At the same time, the USA, China, and Russia possess the most sought-after competencies and capital, but their ARD exceeds 16,000 kilometers, which dramatically increases trade costs and risks. Conclusions. The findings confirm that the key constraint on Chad’s trade integration is not geographical distance, but domestic frictions, the low quality of transport and logistics infrastructure, and significant administrative barriers. The proposed model provides a practical analytical tool for revising trade strategy – not only for Chad, but also for all landlocked countries facing similar challenges.
Keywords: economic distance, international trade, Chad, trade strategy, regional integration
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