Growth in the demand for shipping and project logistics services is likely to be subdued for the next year at least, according to the latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) Global Investment Trends Monitor released recently. “The fragility of the world economy, with growth tempered by hesitant consumer demand, volatility in currency markets and geopolitical instability will act as a deterrent for investors,” it warns. This follows a year of declining investment – global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows declined by 8% in 2014 to an estimated US$1.2 6trillion, down from a revised US$1.36 trillion in 2013, according to the report. Growth in African countries relying on commodity exports is likely to be affected. “The decline in commodity prices will also lower investments in the oil and gas and other commodity industries,” it says.
