Davos: Trade could rise 15pc with more infrastructure and fewer rules

GLOBAL trade could increase 15 per cent if supply chain barriers were dismantled, according to the Davos conference World Economic Forum (WEF) report on transport, reports London's Containerisation International.

Prepared with the World Bank and Boston consultants Bain & Company, the report - Enabling Trade: Valuing Growth Opportunities - identifies supply chain barriers from poor physical and technical infrastructure to protectionist regulations.

Said APM Terminals CEO, Kim Fejfer: "This report makes clear that transportation infrastructure investment can have a very positive and immediate impact on trade growth and economic and social development, particularly in emerging markets."

The terminal operator has spent US$3 billion in new infrastructure over the past two years, including major new port and expansion projects in West Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East and Asia.

"Addressing infrastructure requirements to facilitate global market access is a straightforward process when strong local partnerships can be forged. We share a common interest in creating modern port and inland transportation facilities so local communities can benefit from trade-driven development," Mr Fejfer said.