Container ports in developing countries: Barriers to participation in the global economy

This dissertation investigates whether organizational and technological changes in the global economy, the port and maritime industry, and infrastructure financing have created port development barriers for developing countries on the global periphery. The restructuring of the international economy and development of global supply chains has altered both the routes and manner in which goods are traded. The port infrastructure that connects economies to the system of global trade has changed significantly in response to containerization of manufactured trade. The financing of port development has also evolved as governments have transferred investment responsibilities to the private sector. This dissertation proposes that changes in the global economy, maritime industry, and port financing models have created barriers to port development for countries on the global periphery. Port development barriers can have a significant impact on these countries' economic development. This research examines potential solutions for overcoming port development barriers, and also discusses some future trends that may shape the port development patterns and the overall global economy in the future.