Political parties taking part in the Provincial Council elections pay too little attention to water and rail freight transport and the development of business parks. So says the European Logistics Centre (ELC) Limburg after analysing the various election programmes.
The interest group for transport and logistics Limburg acknowledges that all parties are paying attention to the logistics sector, especially when it comes to innovation or the labour market. ELC Limburg chairman Mark Verheijen: "However, we still miss the recognition of logistics as a top sector within the Limburg economy among several parties. In the area of business parks and especially transport by water and rail, this attention is clearly less present."
Attention to innovation
Logistics entrepreneurs also find it unfortunate that not all parties make clear what they intend to do with motor vehicle taxation. Pleased is ELC Limburg with the focus on innovation. "The initiated broadening of the agrifood-focused Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo to logistics is a huge opportunity. The sector is moving fast and it is essential that we in Limburg keep working on tomorrow's innovations. The Tesla's and AirBnB's of the logistics sector should emerge here," Verheijen said.
Sector depends on framework conditions
The province of Limburg has a total of about 100 European Distribution Centres (EDCs) of international players. The sector depends on preconditions such as good infrastructure, excellent ports and (rail) terminals, sufficient space and qualified personnel. Areas where the province as an administrative tier plays an important role, ELC argues.
Looking for common ground
The interest group points out that this analysis is not voting advice. Verheijen: "We only want to provide insight into whether there is sufficient attention to the interests of our sector. After the elections, we want to cooperate with all parties and look for common ground where necessary."
