Bridge to Somewhere

The US now aims to apply aid for international development in strategic ways. As the global middle class expands, most growth takes place in Brazil, China, India, North Africa and other emerging economies, with 85 percent of growth anticipated in the Asia Pacific region alone, reports Jose Fernandez for Foreign Affairs. He anticipates countries to become more competitive on expanding “ports, roads, railroads, electricity generation, water purification and distribution systems, and telecommunications systems” – perhaps $60 trillion in investments by 2030, according to McKinsey Global Institute. US companies are capable and could contribute, but are lagging. One reason is local rather than national management of many infrastructure projects. The world’s three largest construction firms are state-owned Chinese firms. For now, the US and China have about the same share of international construction-engineering work outside their home borders – each just under 15 percent. Fernandez urges the US government do more to support its companies in financing, bidding, market reports and other support for huge infrastructure projects all over the world. – YaleGlobal