A functioning transport sector determines the degree of participation of countries in the global trading system. Inefficient procedures, excessive transport costs or non-availability of connections create a major barrier blocking access to foreign markets. Any attempt to increase the competitiveness of export goods in foreign markets will thus have to address both the cost and quality of land and ocean transport services available to traders in developing countries, and especially land-locked and small island developing countries.
The World Food Programme (WFP) activities increasingly include offering transport assistance. WFP has built and repaired bridges, improved roads, airlifted ferries to river crossings, provided port, warehousing and rail equipment, and generally provided technical support to strengthen national logistic capacity.