The study's framework also recognizes that physical connectivity alone is not
sufficient in itself. It has to be enhanced by a combination of cross-border software (i.e.
harmonization of regulations, procedures, and standards, open market and globalized
perspectives, efficient transport logistics, and global transport networks). Improvements in
roads and railways can reduce transport costs, but they are not sufficient to encourage crossborder
trade if different legal and regulatory frameworks, inefficient systems of customs
clearance, and other barriers and logistical constraints are not removed. In this sense, greater
physical connectivity requires regional/subregional cooperation for both cross-border hard
infrastructure and related software. Currently, very little information exists on the transport
and logistics constraints to trade within IMT-GT. To identify such constraints and establish
benchmarks for quantitative assessment of progress in improving regional connectivity, it is
necessary to undertake a rigorous and comprehensive study of transport costs and
logistics development of the IMT-GT corridors.