Factor Analysis Of The Advantage Evolution Of International Ports

Trade cannot become prosperous without the development of port. In recent years, over two-thirds of the world trade was sent by sea. Port development not only promotes the development of trade, but also the economic and social development of a region or a country. As a matter of fact, most of the big cities in the world are port cities, even their prosperity rely on the prosperity of port from the very beginning. Since the 21st century, with the fierce competition from ports and changing economic circumstances, international ports are confronted with a lot of new problems. Most of the foreign and domestic researches concentrate on certain areas, such as the relationship of port development and city development, special aspects influencing the competitiveness of port and Assessment Indicators System of port competitiveness. However, a systematic analysis of research on the advantage evolution of international ports remains absent, which is the major goal of this thesis.After a careful study, I believe that the development of ports follows a certain law affected by only a few factors. The promotion of domestic ports development requires thorough researches on the determining factors, so that a nation could plan and guide according to the actual situation, optimize the layout of the ports, practice strict economy and combat waste, strengthen cooperation and reducing competition, grasp opportunities and take a broad view of the future, increase regional competitiveness and promote the competitiveness of each single port.Firstly, this dissertation describes the historical path for international ports development including three stages: the age of the Mediterranean trade and the Hanseatic League, the age of the Atlantic and the age of the Pacific. Secondly, based on the documents both at home and abroad, this dissertation analyzes the major factors influencing the advantage evolution of international ports by using means of both qualitative research and quantitative research in an all-round way, and then put forward a six-factor model which consists of natural environment, economic hinterland, the market behavior of shipping company, investment and management model and business strategy, the behavior of government and the development of technology. Thirdly, from the angle of sustained development of ports, this dissertation discusses two questions which should be paid attention to including resource-saving and environmental protection, the target selection of throughput and added-value. Furthermore, I put forward a concept of port community which is a possible future of port development. Finally, after making analysis of the advantage evolution of international ports, this dissertation provides some advice according to the present condition of ports in China and the economic situation of the world.