TRANS-PACIFIC OCEANIC ECONOMY REVISITED

ABSTRACT This article canvasses the transport and communications needs of large ‘network firms’ in the Trans‐Pacific oceanic economy. Initially, it considers their requirement for a multimodal goods transport system by analysing air freight and container shipping networks. It studies their need for high‐volume business travel by examining international passenger transport. Then their demand for an advanced information structure and complementary transport system is elaborated by defining regional distribution platforms. The policy implications and challenges posed by these developments are discussed.