Over the past few years, changing trade dynamics have placed
a greater focus on emerging countries. As a result, these countries, such as
Brazil, Vietnam, Bahrain and Mexico have experienced impressive growth in
trade, manufacturing and growing consumer demand for goods. However, this year,
many of these countries seem to have hit a “bump in the road”. The bumps vary
by country but for many, they may include currency issues, rising inflation,
infrastructure concerns and shifting focus towards improving conditions in
Europe and the US.
Despite these “bumps”, the emerging countries continue to
grow, albeit a bit slower. Investments are still being made, companies are
still expanding and the consumer-base continues to grow in these emerging
countries.
For example, Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia,
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are expanding ports, roads, rail and airports.
Meanwhile, the current economic situation may have resulted in temporary
slowdowns in companies’ financial sheets. However, consumer-goods company
Unilever, which reported slower sales for its most recent quarter, derives
almost 60% of its total sales in emerging countries and is maintaining its
strategy to invest in these countries by expanding and introducing new product
lines.
The population in emerging countries is also growing and
outpacing Europe and US. In fact, these developing countries comprise 80% of
the world’s population. According to Ernst & Young, by 2030, it is believed
two-thirds of the global middle class will live in the Asia-Pacific region, up
from just under one-third in 2009. India’s middle class, meanwhile, at around
50m people, or 5% of the population, is expected to grow steadily over the next
decade, reaching 200m by 2020.
The potential of these developing countries remains strong
and still influences business strategies. Over the past few years Transport Intelligence has studied
these trends and has just
launched its latest survey to measure the current trends. The results will support its exclusive and
unique index comparing the world's major developing logistics markets and will
help Ti analysts gain an insight into some of the challenges present in doing
business in these emerging markets. Among the questions that are asked in the
survey include what emerging country will emerge as a major logistics market in
the next five years? Which tradelanes will have the greatest potential for
future growth? And what vertical sectors will have the greatest potential for future
growth in emerging markets?
To take part of the survey, just follow the link below.