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Chapter 8 - Transport / Logistics
8-01 Overview
There is dangerous assymetry in government and governance. Bad governance will always result in bad performance, but good governance on its own does not assure good performance. Many other elements are needed in order to have an effective enabling environment.
Overview
Transport
The transport systems in Europe, in North America, in Japan are incredibly efficient. Transport is a very innovative sector in terms of the adoption of technology. This needs to be applied to the “south” where transport infrastructure, roads, rail, ports, have not been developed to the optimum. There is the need for a huge investment by both the public and private sector. Some valuable progress can be made by doing as much work as possible on a small scale in and around communities.
Truck fleets
The truck fleets in Iraq have expanded based on the profits of the private operators. The financing associated with the truck fleets is likely a huge cash cow for those that are engaged in the financing.
Truck maintenance is handled by a large a competent workshop sub-sector. Parts are not a problem as long as funds are available. The fuel situation that is often a problem is not a problem in Iraq where refined products are widely available.
Air transport
Air transport service operators can be in the private sector. There can be financial support from the government to facilitate the funding.
Airport fuel and service
Baghdad airport is international standard and all fuels and services from an international airport are available.
Port operations
Port operations are going to be a major issue in the future success of Iraq, and especially the oil and gas sector. A modern port capacity is going to be vital in the handling of energy products exporting product using the largest of the modern supertankers.
Pipelines
Pipelines are the main means of transporting petroleum products. They are an easy target for bombers and have not been adequately protected so are not all presently in service.
Warehouses
Warehouses are now a critical part of logistics operations. They serve much more than merely to keep stock in a safe place out of the weather. They are now fully equipped so that information about stock movements in facilitated in real time.
The old era warehouse is still needed at the community level ... while the 21st century warehouse and integrated logistics system starts to operate in the country.
Maintenance
Repair shops, welding and machine shops
There is an ongoing need to strengthen the national capacity to maintain equipment and do welding and machining. Much equipment, especially in small enterprises, is old, and needs ongoing maintenance. There are a lot of small facilities that do work at a basic level, but few that have the capability to pdo the higher end work.
Access to training
Training will help improve the sector, and help increase jobs and employment while also providing value for the community. It should be possible and easy for people to upgrade their skills. All maintenance and machine shops of good standing should be encouraged to train people to a higher level of skill.
Regulations
There are a host of regulations that apply to this sector.
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