A Silver Lining?

摘要

The main problem that the industry is facing at present is the simple fact that the global economic downturn has hit international trade hard. Even manufacturing power-houses, like China, are not immune to the slowdown, as witnessed by declining throughputs seen at a number of its ports. The bearish outlook for 2009 has undoubtedly dampened retailers' demand for goods, and as such, container traffic has seen a sharp decline in volumes. However, I refuse to be drawn into all the negative aspects of the global economy. As in past recessions, there are always opportunities that companies can take advantage of. It is just a case of looking through the fog and finding them. The president of Japanese ocean carrier Mitsui OSK Lines, Akimitsu Ashida, recently said 'boom is welcome but recession is more welcome', and I thoroughly agree with him.