How can we optimise the East and Southeast logistic corridors and exploit the opportunities for economic linking? This question was central to the joint MIRT study of the government, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Logistics Top Sector, and the provinces of South Holland, Gelderland, North Brabant and Limburg.

The East and Southeast logistic corridors are of vital strategic importance for the competitiveness of the Dutch economy. These corridors not only connect the port of Rotterdam with the German hinterland (and beyond), but many economic activities in the region that add considerable value also take place along them.

The world is changing rapidly. Economic centres are shifting, new ports and regions are strongly on the rise (Gdansk and the Mediterranean), while geopolitical developments and new transport routes (One Belt - One Road) are influencing transport flows. The environment and climatic conditions are also having a significant impact. These developments mean that the position of the ports in Northwest Europe is changing, and coming under increasing pressure. That also applies to our Mainport Rotterdam.

If we are to continue to benefit from the growth in world trade, good accessibility for the most important economic regions is of major importance. Good infrastructure is essential to this. Moreover, it is important to absorb the growth in freight transport smartly and sustainably, and to retain and strengthen our top position in global logistics. The role of the digital infrastructure is occupying an increasingly important place in this.

Here, industry and government are facing common tasks and challenges:

• Reducing congestion, on motorways in particular
• Increasing the reliability, capacity and robustness of the multimodal network
• Improving the visibility and predictability of travel times
• Limiting damage to the surrounding area (environment and safety)
• Improving facilities for users
• Stimulating the innovation dynamic
• Making the industrial and logistics sectors more competitive

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