InlandTerminals,LogisticClustersandGlobalCommodity.pptVIP

* * While the current context is prone to uncertainties, it can be anticipated that once the malinvestments caused by the housing bubble and its contamination of the global economy have been cleared by a deep recession, a new period of growth will result. The storm will abate, leading to a calmer period where future trends are easier to assess. The following interelated points can provide a guideline: 1) The global economy will be rebalanced under different fundamentals that are likely to be linked with lower growth rates. Still, large continental markets like North America will rely on a network of inland terminals as a fundamental structure to support and organized hinterland freight movements, as import and export-based activities. It is to be kept in mind that while energy prices have collapsed because of demand destruction, they are likely to surge again once the recession runs its course. Once this takes place, inland terminals will be even more important in maintaining efficient commodity chains. 2) It can be expected that resources will play a greater role within containerized trade with inland terminals. This implies a set of repositioning strategies where inland terminals play a fundamental role either to improve the efficiency of this repositioning, provide better cargo rotation opportunities, or act as an agent that can help promote containerized exports. 3) Inland terminals will take part of the ongoing intermodal integration between ports and their hinterland and through long distance rail corridors. They are likely to be more important elements within supply chains, particularly through their role of buffer. 4) Inland terminals will achieve a higher level of integration within regional freight distribution activities, both from an import and export based perspectives. They will be part of a freight cluster. Governance and PPP are means to insure that the terminal fits within regional policies. Free Trade Zones: “Bending the Rules” Custom Clearance Do