The positive momentum in the economy that ushered in 2010 was sustained throughout the year as Thailand moved from economic contraction in 2009 to a full year growth of near 8 percent. In fact, several data points hit all time highs last year making it one of the best years for economic growth in the nation’s history and recalling the times of rapid growth just a couple of decades back.

The economy grew slowly in 2010, and world GDP growth will further slow down – decreasing from 2.7% in 2010 to 2.2% 2011 in advanced economies and 4.7% to 4.2% in developing economies – as the effects of economic stimulus wear off and the labor, real estate, and banking sectors remain vexed.

According to a recent survey, freight forwarders need to see realisable and significant value added of the air cargo supply chain before making a commitment to e-commerce. 

The government needs to act to improve Indonesia’s logistical system to boost the nation’s economic competitiveness, according to the Indonesian Logistics Association (ALI).

ERTMS giving the green light toward rail signalling innovation in Eastern Europe

Rail is one of the oldest modes of passenger and freight transportation.  Although not at the forefront of technological innovation for the past 20 years, today the rail sector is changing rapidly.  The "Go Green" motto actively followed by most countries worldwide has provided new impetus for efficiency, safety and technological sophistication in rail transportation.

The Malaysian logistics industry is expected to grow 11.5 per cent to RM121 billion in 2011 as compared to RM108.5 billion a year ago, supported by the country's strong external trade and stable economic outlook, says Frost & Sullivan.

In order to become a regional transport hub, Thailand needs to improve its infrastructure to link with neighboring countries and focus on ASEAN Highway Network and GMS Economic Corridors

Experience has shown that automated storage and order picking systems can deliver substantial operating savings in the DC while at the same time improving the quality of order fulfilment. 

“Today the world of Information Technology is trapped into selling to IT people, but at Infor we sell to people in the field; the front end people,” said David Hudson, Infor vice president of Asia Pacific.

The return-to-form of the Saudi Arabian oil industry and the country's active diversification into oil-based businesses are expected to cause a surge in exports (nearly $271.58 billion in 2010), creating opportunities for the nation's freight forwarding market.