International Comparison On Economic Spurring Effect Of Port Logistics

With the accelerated globalization and modern economy on the track of continuous opening-up, economic growth of every country or region inevitably entails competition in the global market. Ports, and coastal ports in particular, afford favorable conditions for economic development and prosperity, given their unique role in worldwide resource allocating. Nonetheless, production has always taken precedence of circulation in China and logistics has long been underrated compared to business flow. Logistics, especially port logistics, is hence plagued by incongruity, hampering its role in delivering social and economic benefits.From an international perspective, the present work focuses on port logistics and the way it stimulates the economy. First of all, relevant theories that have been proposed on this subject are comprehensively reviewed and the empirical methods and empirical indicators found in those theories are summarized. Secondly, port logistics and its role as economic growth spur are elaborated on four distinctive levels, namely industrial agglomeration, spread effect, investment multiplier effect and technology transfer effect. A comprehensive index system of port logistics is proposed using theoretical analysis.10countries are selected for comparison and their Economic Spurring Effect of Port Logistics was quantified by grey correlation degree to spot disparities between China and other logistics giants. These logistics giants offer excellent experience in operation of port logistics, industrial agglomeration and expansion, environment of port hinterland. Policy suggestions regarding market mechanism reform, logistics efficiency enhancement, strategic alliances and port-surrounding industrial parks are also made.Novelty of this study lies in the following aspects:1) port logistics and the way it stimulates the economy are comprehensively reviewed.spread effect of port hinterland is innovatively discussed from internal and external hinterland.2) international maritime freight loaded and unloaded is brought in as a more representative indictor.3) Policy suggestions based on international experience are presented to strengthen China’s port logistics.