The course analyses the differences in economic growth between countries and economic integration zones in the world. On the one hand, the advantages and disadvantages of international trade and the effects of tariffs and other trade barriers are discussed. On the other hand, the role and significance of foreign direct investment and multinational enterprises in a changing worldwide economic environment are studied. Finally, major trends and developments are analysed with regard to the movement towards economic integration in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, against the background and special perspective of maritime management and transportation economics. The course is organized around two principal modules. The first module will concentrate on the essential issues of growth and development in today¿s globalizing world economy and presents the necessary framework for the more detailed country and regional studies of the second module.

Prof. Dr. E. CLAESSENS