GENEVA: The past and future of maritime transport and its part in trade and development are examined in a special publication released to mark 50 years of UNCTAD’s work on shipping.

 

The commemorative publication was launched by UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi on the final day of the Multi-year Expert Meeting on Transport, Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, on 21–23 November. The report follows the launch of the 50th-anniversary edition of the Review of Maritime Transport in October.

 

The new publication offers a forward-looking assessment of issues likely to shape shipping in the future and explores fresh directions in research and analysis, as well as examining the history of the Review of Maritime Transport over the past 50 years. It comprises reflections by seven eminent guest essayists, chosen for their expertise and roles in the maritime transport industry.

 

The commemorative edition recognizes the unprecedented contribution by the Review of Maritime Transport to the study of the strategic importance of maritime transport for trade and development.

 

“To understand the success of the Review of Maritime Transport is also to understand its role in helping better understand the maritime transport sector and support informed national policies and legislation, as well as international deliberations,” Shamika N. Sirimanne, director of UNCTAD’s Division on Trade and Technology, said.