Applied International Trade Management - Essay Example

Production and distribution of goods and services are the main reason that is contributing to the growth of the port in recent times. Auckland is the largest centre for manufacturing and can be treated as a distribution hub. Trade has been considered as the engine of economic growth that drives the well-being of people in nations. This is particularly the reason for which Auckland’s economy has grown at a greater rate compared to New Zealand for the last ten years (Auckland City Government, “Driving forces in the Auckland region”).

The rise in economic activity has been coupled with the rise in consumerism in the area. The high rates of employment in Auckland mainly in regions of metal production and manufacturing industries have increased the level of disposable income. This in turn, has raised the level of consumer spending by stimulating the demand for goods and services. The general increase in the demand of consumption goods in turn, fuels trade and the role of the port becomes crucial. The role of ports in supply chain management has increased in the recent times.

Researchers have pointed out that, ports have played an important role in the co-ordination of information and material flows. This is because; ports play a centre of transhipment and can be considered as an important part in the supply chain. Ports can only become good logistics platform if they work in multiple directions by taking into account the interest of the sender and receiver of goods (Carbone and Martino 305-320). The Ports of Auckland Limited is constantly striving to improve its role in the supply chain management.

POAL has taken a crucial role in the sharing of information, providing pre-advice for online export, providing facilities of vehicle booking system and off-wharf hubs. Adaptation of these technologies has reduced the average cargo handling time at the port thereby, enhancing the efficiency of the system. The