While the world worries about the impact of the economic and trade crises, it is important that those in the port business remain optimistic for the medium- and long-term perspective. We must continue to invest in infrastructure and in our ports and facilities, because effective infrastructure in the transportation sector has a huge impact on profitability of production, distribution, trade and the economic growth of regions and nations.
Max Frisch, a German writer, once said: “A crisis is a productive condition. We must only take the slightly bitter taste of a catastrophe away.” In other words, we must keep on moving.
Work continues to enlarge the Panama Canal because it is a given that world trade and globalization have nowhere to go but up, and when those massive ships come through the canal, they must be able to call at modern harbors with necessary facilities.
We have seen in the financial sector the negative attitudes, and the spiraling down becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our industry must continue positive action in developing and improving the world’s transportation infrastructure with the integration of environmental considerations in the planning of port development and related activities. It is essential for well-functioning commerce, international trade and national defense. If roads, rail, ports and intermodal facilities do not keep up with rising demand, there will be a downward pressure on profits and growth.