OREANDA-NEWS. January 28, 2013. Deficiency in transport and communications infrastructure is one of several supply chain barriers that act as obstacles for speeding up global economic growth. That is the conclusion of a report entitled "Enabling Trade: Valuing Growth Opportunities", which was launched on 23 January 2013, at the opening of the 11th Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The report highlights a variety of identified supply chain barriers – ranging from poor physical and technical infrastructure to border controls, customs paperwork, lack of coordination between national agencies and regulations favoring local products over imported ones.

"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 market areas", notes APM Terminals CEO Kim Fejfer, a participant at the annual gathering of political and business leaders in Davos.

The WEF estimates that global trade would increase by an estimated USD 1.6 trillion, or approximately 15%, while global GDP would rise by USD 2.6 trillion, or approximately 5%, if every country improved two key supply chain barriers just halfway to the world's best practices: improving inadequate infrastructure and adopting modern communications technology such as electronic freight releases, and by streamlining and simplifying border administration procedures.

"Addressing infrastructure requirements to facilitate global market access is a relatively 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 concluded.