Intermodal transport treatment in developed and developing countries

Abstract

Intermodal transport represents a key element in economic system of the developed countries, but its importance is growing in the developing countries as well. Since cost reduction, improvement of service quality and sustainable development are objectives of the European Union, intermodal transport promotion became an essential constituent of its development plans. However, efficient development requires engagement of all members and harmonization of national policies with those of EU, which often is not the case. There are differences among countries regarding intermodal transport treatment in strategic development plans. The mentioned differences are analyzed in this paper in order to obtain guidelines and successful practice models that will help the developing countries in catching up with the developed ones. The biggest problems in the plans of the developing countries are: undefined objectives, interventions and poor institutional framework. Experience and problem solving approaches, established institutions and bodies, as well as a way of dealing with concerned mater in the developed countries should help intermodal transport improvement in the developing countries and hence enable growth of European competitiveness at global level.

Keywords

• intermodal transport
• strategy
• development plan
• institutionalization