Economic development and Logistics & infrastructure
The economic structure of a city, region or country is in a perpetual state of change. Shifting economies on a global scale, increasing ESG regulations, technological and labor market developments accelerate these changes and raise new challenges for policy makers.
In the last five years, the number of operational rail services on the New Silk Rail Route between China and Europe has grown to about 150 rail shuttles per week. These rail container shuttles connect over 30 European cities with 16 regions in China. Are these regular rail services between China and Europe here to stay in the coming years? What is the impact on the services of the COVID-19 pandemic? And are there any new site location trends in Europe?
Two-thirds of Chinese manufacturers, (r)etailers and logistics services providers are already on 80% or more of their capacity. Nearly 60% of the manufacturing companies mention that their upstream supply chain (i.e. supply of components, sub-assemblies) has basically returned to normal; the same applies to 47% of logistics services providers.
The economic structure of a city, region or country is continuously moving. Shifting economies at a global scale, increasing competition between regions and technological and labor market developments within economic sectors accelerate changes and raise new challenges for policy makers. In our opinion, it is very important to build strong ecosystems.
These ecosystems must be surrounded by excellent infrastructure networks. Investments in infrastructure, seaports and airports are of great importance in order to build a sound investment climate for companies. The last years we noticed that these investments have become more focused on sustainability and are seeking ways to reach a more effective modal split. We believe that building the TENT network over Europa and similar infrastructure improvements in other continents will lead to more prosperity and well being of our citizens.
Companies want to make the transport of goods more sustainable in order to contribute to the climate objectives of the Netherlands and the EU (Green Deal and Fit for 55). To be able to do so, they must be able to use different modes of transport on these international transport corridors: road, inland shipping, rail, pipeline. Investment in better use of the multimodal infrastructure on these corridors is therefore essential. This includes the construction of truck parking and berths, clean energy hubs for biodiesel, e-charging and hydrogen, digitization of messaging and efficient use of scarce space. Within this field looking at options for a better carbon footprint is essential