Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation
In 2018-2019, World Bank data showed that about 300 million out of 520 million rural residents in Africa, Asia, South America, Central Asia, and the Middle East needed more reliable road access. In 2019, global maritime freight and container port traffic grew marginally. Due to COVID-19 in 2020, international maritime freight fell by 4.1%, and container port traffic dropped by 2.1%. The pandemic led to an 8.4% decline in global manufacturing production in 2020, reducing the manufacturing share in global GDP from 16.5% (2019) to 15.9% (2020). Despite a negligible 1.2% growth in manufacturing in the least developed countries in 2020, their share of manufacturing value added increased to 12.8%. However, the growth is insufficient to achieve the goal of doubling the industry’s share in GDP by 2030, with manufacturing value added per capita at only $135 compared to $4,194 in Europe and Northern America.
Fostering Innovation with inclusive industrialization 4.0 is in the company’s DNA. We have committed in all our Industrial engagements to creating opportunities for all stakeholders and acting in the best interests of communities, local partners, and financing stakeholders at the same time.