The Role of Container Shipping and Logistics in Economic Development

Photo: Scanpix

Recent studies have made it evident that high transport and logistic costs and a lack of advanced logistics services are some of the main barriers to growth and prosperity in developing countries.

- Research tells us that inefficient supply chains seriously hamper the capabilities of firms in developing countries to compete in global markets and become integrated in global value chains. Multinational shipping and logistic companies play a growing role for developing countries, not only by providing advanced infrastructure and services, but also by organizing and managing entire global supply chains, says Industrial PhD Majbritt Greve, at Center for Business and Development Studies, CBS.

Studies estimate that logistics costs may account for up to 15-25% of the value of finished goods in developing countries as opposed to around 10-15% in developed countries. At the seminar this pertinent topic will be approached from a business as well as academic perspective.

- We will hear evidence from recent research on shipping and logistics in developing countries. Moreover, we will get insights into the experience of the world’s largest shipping company, Maersk, on their role in trade and economic development, says Associate Professor Henrik Sornn-Friese, Director of CBS Maritime.

Maersk has conducted a number of studies on its potential impacts and role in global trade and economic development. The purpose is to contribute to a better understanding of how the Maersk Group can contribute to further integration and lowering of trade barriers in emerging markets.

-At Maersk, we recognize our role in enabling trade as one of our most important contributions to society. 700 million fewer people now live below the poverty line compared to twenty years ago. Trade and better integration of low-income countries into the global economy have helped drive that transformation, says Lene Serpa, Head of Governance and Research, Group Sustainability, at Maersk Group.

The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion emphasizing on topics such as:
What is the role for shipping and logistic firms and services in integrating developing countries into global trade? What are best practices of shipping and logistics MNCs in developing countries? (How) Can container shipping and logistics MNCs play a more proactive role in development?; What do we know about the role this role and where do we need more research?

Confirmed speakers are: Lauri Ojala, Turku School of Economics, Dong-Wook Song, World Maritime University, Majbritt Greve, Copenhagen Business School, Henning Morgen, Maersk Group.

Registration:
The event is free of charge however registration is necessary. To sign up please send an email with your name, position and organization to Sarah Back-Holck at skb.ikl@cbs.dk by Wednesday September 30.

Part of Danish Maritime Days
The seminar is a part of Danish Maritime Days, to take place in the week of 5-9 October 2015. Danish Maritime Days is a major new event for the global maritime industry. It will bring together a broad set of stakeholders from across the industry with the objective to find new solutions to the most important challenges facing the industry. Please visit the Danish Maritime Days website to learn more about the calendar of events.