In 2004, only 11 export corridors of magnitude greater than $75 billion existed in the world. By 2013, the number of such substantial trade corridors increased to 22, intensifying trade routes – intra-EU and North America – but also along new routes. The swelling of numbers is due to the rise of China in global trade, according to a recent report published by HSBC.

Malta is perched on one of the largest of the four trade corridors between China and the EU valued at $300 billion. The country can benefit greatly by streamlining its warehousing capabilities which, in turn, could become the backbone of growth in the fast-rising sector of transport and logistics.

Experts from the sector exchanged ideas on the way forward for the sector during a breakout session ‘Logistics: The next step’ during the recent EY’s Malta attractiveness survey conference. This breakout session was supported by HSBC Bank Malta plc which has been promoting the potential growth of the transport and logistics sector.

Michel Cordina, head of HSBC Malta commercial banking, said: “In 2014, HSBC Commercial Banking became the main supporter of the inaugural TransLog Awards, Malta’s first-ever transport and logistics awards, and continues to support the associated Trans-Log forums.

In June 2015, HSBC commercial banking launched a new €75 million Malta Trade for Growth (MTFG) Fund to help Maltese companies take their business across the globe. The new MTFG Fund followed the success of the first €50 million trade fund launched in December 2013.”

Also speaking from HSBC at the EY conference was senior HSBC trade economist Douglas Lippoldt, who shared with the audience the changing pivots of global trade flows and their connection with macroeconomics and structural issues.