Prospects for the world economy, trade and shipping
seem to be improving although a number of risks mostly
on the downside remain. These include in particular,
the fragile recovery in developed economies, the
difficulties facing growth in large emerging economies,
and geopolitical tensions that may escalate. These
risks could derail the world economy away from
positive growth. Meanwhile, upside potential includes
a strengthening of the economic recovery in developed
economies, the G20 pledges at the summit held in
February 2014 to take measures to stimulate global
growth, potential gains deriving from growing trade
deals and initiatives, a deepening in South–South trade
and investment relations, expanding horizontal trade,
growing consumer demand (especially in Western
Asia and Africa), and rising potential for minerals and
resource-based exports.