Central Asian and South Asian countries could also benefit from the geographical proximity, regional connectivity and climate synergy of trading their energy resources with Asia and the Pacific, especially if they were to get preferential market access to the Participating States of APTA. Central Asian countries also face unique geopolitical circumstances, particularly the landlocked countries located between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the two dominant energy players. The coastal States have strong interests in ensuring their continued energy dominance and that exports from Central Asia do not bypass them.