Transport

Los proyectos públicos y privados de infraestructura continuarán impulsando el crecimiento económico en Panamá. El gobierno planea invertir $9.600 millones en el desarrollo de infraestructura en los próximos cinco años. Si bien el proyecto de expansión del Canal de Panamá lidera el gasto con $5.250 millones, la ciudad de Panamá también está modernizando su sistema de transporte para mejorar el tránsito en la capital.

In the wake of a tragic train accident at the beginning of 2013, Egypt is looking to step up investment in its railways to improve safety, and upgrade infrastructure and rolling stock. Plans for the development of new tracks are also being implemented with international support.

A massive programme of investment in Thailand’s infrastructure, designed to enhance international connectivity and competitiveness, is set to be implemented this year amid a renewed commitment to investment and regional development.

Japan has joined France, Germany, China and South Korea as a prospective investor in South Africa’s proposed high-speed rail system, which, once built, will link Johannesburg and Durban on the east coast. However, while there is no doubt about the attractiveness of the multi-billion dollar large-scale infrastructure project, questions remain about whether the project will prove profitable for private sector partners unless it is subsidised.

Public transport in Oman has been earmarked for a major funding boost under the 2013 budget, and a planned national rail network is set to receive the lion’s share of the spend. Oman’s $15bn rail network system will provide links between domestic production and logistics hubs, while supporting efforts to open up trade links across the region.

El impacto que el retraso de la infraestructura de transporte colombiana podría tener sobre el futuro crecimiento económico del país fue señalado en dos ocasiones durante el último año en informes publicados por el Banco Mundial y Fedesarrollo, un centro de análisis colombiano de carácter independiente, respectivamente.