Asia-Pacific is a region undertaking a significant
transformation. Long known as the manufacturing centre of the world, the region
is now adapting to changes brought forth by the "new" global economy.
With rising operations costs, declining airfreight volumes, ocean freight
over-capacity and declines in manufacturing activity, some have questioned
whether the region is losing its competitive advantage. On the contrary, these
changes are creating new opportunities.
For example, as manufacturers move further inland, the cost
to transport goods to ports and airports may increase. Alternative solutions
have been introduced by logistics providers such as DHL, DB Schenker and Geodis
Wilson who have introduced road transport solutions connecting Asia to Europe. Hewlett-Packard
has been using this alternative solution and has shipped more than 4m notebook
computers from to Europe by train since 2011.
Industry-specific solutions are also on the rise. These
solutions, such as UPS' life-sciences distribution centres and DHL's fashion
centre of excellence are designed to meet not only the international markets,
but also the growing intra-Asia markets. In fact, the growing intra-Asia
markets have also triggered the need for warehousing and distribution centres.
During the first half of 2013, such companies as Kerry Logistics, Yusen
Logistics and the Goodman Group have opened such facilities.
South-east Asia is also presenting increased opportunities.
As this region works towards becoming a united economic entity in 2015,
infrastructure projects and a rising middle class are encouraging growth.
Norbert Dentressangle, CEVA and FedEx Trade Networks are among the logistics
providers who have already expanded into this region.
Over the past years, Asia-Pacific has led the world as the
centre of outsourcing. Now, as global economics change once again, it is, once
more, reinventing itself. While manufacturing will continue to play a major
role, this region is likely to emerge as the world's largest consumer market
thanks to 60% of the world's total population residing in this region. As such,
industry leaders and logistics providers will continue to invest in this
region.
To illustrate the changing region, Ti is pleased to announce
a new addition to its Logistics Monitor series – Asia-Pacific Quarterly
Logistics Monitor. This latest addition reviews and analyses the logistics and
transportation market and its providers within the region, including such
topics as economics and trade, the air, ocean and road freight markets, warehousing
and distribution and industry-specific solutions. For more information please click here.
