Logistics as a Driver for Competitiveness in Latin America and the Caribbean

Logistics is becoming a critical element of competitiveness and economic performance both in itself and within the context of increasing globalization. Most Latin American and Caribbean countries are focusing on export-led growth strategies. For such strategies to succeed, a key component is an effective and efficient logistics framework that addresses the full spectrum-upstream, midstream, and downstream-of the value and production chain. This report illustrates the relevance and impact of logistics for competitiveness in the region and provides a framework, priorities, interventions, and solutions to address the issues. This paper was presented at the Fifth Americas Competiveness Forum for the Inter-American Development Bank and Compete Caribbean Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 5-7, 2011.