Reshaping logistics assets in emerging markets - Logistics Executive
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Reshaping logistics assets in emerging markets

The pace of development in emerging markets is reaching unprecedented levels, propelling the need for intricate supply chain and logistics solutions.

By Dominic Rego
May 22, 2024 | 3 min read
At a Glance
  • Lowering the Cost of Logistics: :Modernizing logistics systems in emerging markets can significantly reduce supply chain and logistics costs. Investment in updated warehouses, integrated transportation, and intermodal infrastructures will streamline goods movement, making these markets more attractive for foreign investment and fostering economic growth.
  • Improving Reliability:Developing robust logistics assets enhances the reliability of transportation and distribution networks. Implementing technology-driven solutions and improving connectivity are essential for minimizing delays and disruptions, thus providing businesses with better control and visibility over their supply chains.
  • Enabling Trade Facilitation:Efficient and modern logistics are crucial for integrating emerging markets into the global economy. Streamlining customs processes, border clearance, and logistics infrastructure reduces trade costs and improves efficiency, leading to increased trade volumes, foreign investment, and economic development.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The pace of development in emerging markets is reaching unprecedented levels, propelling the need for intricate supply chain and logistics solutions. However, despite the burgeoning demand, inadequate infrastructure and outdated facilities persist, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. This article aims to delve into the growing requirement for modern logistics assets in emerging markets, particularly focusing on India, Africa, and the Middle East. By enhancing logistics capabilities, these regions can effectively lower the overall cost of logistics, improve reliability, and foster accelerated growth.

In recent years, emerging markets have emerged as key drivers of economic growth and trade expansion. These dynamic regions offer limitless potential, as their rising populations, expanding middle classes, and increasing urbanization provide a robust consumer base. As a result, the movement of goods has become more extensive and complex, necessitating sophisticated supply chain networks. However, a harsh reality persists–the existing logistics infrastructure in many of these markets is ill-equipped to meet these demands, leading to significant challenges for businesses operating within them.

Mr. Kim Winter, Global CEO of the esteemed consulting firm, Logistics Executive Group, believes that, “The transformation occurring within emerging markets is happening at breakneck speed. To fully harness their potential, the modernization of logistics assets is crucial. This will not only enhance efficiency but also unlock immense opportunities for accelerated growth across various sectors.”

Four key factors that shed light on the importance of restructuring logistics assets in emerging markets:

1. Lowering the Cost of Logistics:

The inefficiencies in emerging market logistics systems contribute to exorbitant costs, hindering economic development. Transportation delays, inadequate warehousing facilities, and poor inventory management all contribute to increased expenses. By reshaping logistics assets, significant cost reductions can be achieved. Investing in modern warehouses, intermodal infrastructures, and integrated transportation systems will streamline the movement of goods, reducing supply chain and logistics costs. This, in turn, will enhance the attractiveness of emerging markets for foreign investment and spur economic growth.

2. Improving Reliability:

Reliability is a crucial factor for businesses operating in emerging markets. Inconsistent transportation networks and unreliable infrastructure lead to delays, disruptions, and increased lead times, posing significant challenges for businesses. By focusing on reshaping logistics assets, these issues can be minimized. Building robust transportation and distribution networks, implementing technology-driven solutions, and improving connectivity will enhance the reliability of logistics operations. As a result, businesses will have greater visibility and control over their supply chains, thus ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of goods.

3. Fostering Sectoral Growth:

The modernization of logistics assets will catalyze growth across various sectors in emerging markets. A well-functioning logistics infrastructure provides essential support to industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail. By addressing the deficiencies in these logistics assets, these industries can thrive and expand their operations. For instance, improved transportation networks would allow manufacturers to access raw materials and distribute finished goods more efficiently, reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness. Similarly, timely and reliable logistics support would enable the agricultural sector to preserve perishable goods and reach broader markets, boosting export potential.

4. Enabling Trade Facilitation:

Trade facilitation is paramount for emerging markets to integrate seamlessly into the global economy. Efficient customs processes, streamlined border clearance procedures, and modern logistics infrastructure are essential to facilitate trade flow. By reshaping logistics assets, emerging markets can improve their competitiveness in the global market by reducing trade costs and enhancing trade efficiency. This will result in increased trade volumes, attracting foreign investment and boosting economic development.

In conclusion, the rapid development in emerging markets necessitates the modernization of logistics assets. The transformation occurring in regions such as India, Africa, and the Middle East calls for more sophisticated supply chain and logistics solutions. Reducing the cost of logistics, improving reliability, fostering sectoral growth, and enabling trade facilitation are critical elements to reshape logistics assets successfully. As Mr. Kim Winter emphasized, “The modernization of logistics assets in emerging markets is not only imperative but presents immense opportunities for unlocking growth potential.” By embracing this transformative journey, emerging markets can pave the way for a brighter future of economic prosperity and development.

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Dominic Rego
Managing Director

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