the role that these factors play within global value chains
remain fairly understudied, as mentioned by Coe et al (2008: 6): ‘In fact, with the vastly increased
complexity and geographical extensiveness of production networks (…) the logistics problem is
absolutely central. We need to understand it’. Further analysis therefore needs to focus on particular
commodity chains that move from developing countries to the global market and the role that
logistics and transport plays within these chains. Of particular importance is the governance of the
chain including the logistics part, the locations of value creation and how these commodities are
routed and the bottlenecks they encounter. Such understanding can also provide better insights for
policymakers engaged with promoting economic development. Within the GOLLS (‘governance of
labour and logistics for sustainability’) project, such research is presently underway by focusing on
particular commodity chains between Brazil and Holland.