Even though the notion of the competitiveness of nations is controversial and complex, there is
little doubt that international trade is vital to a nation’s wealth. The development options for countries
depend on the kind of export roles they take in the global economy and their ability to become a highvalue
industrial environment. Briefly, a country is competitive if its industries can produce at an
average level that is at least equal to or above that of its foreign competitors. Well-functioning
logistics is one of the most important elements of national competitiveness (Mustra 2011).