Weak Domestic Production and Its Impact on Freight Transport Demand: A Fuzzy MCDM Analysis
Abstract
Freight transport systems rely heavily on the volume, frequency, and spatial distribution of goods generated by domestic production activities. In Libya, however, weak industrial output and underdeveloped manufacturing capacity have significantly limited freight demand, resulting in fragmented transport flows and underutilized logistics infrastructure. This study investigates the root causes of weak domestic production and their broader implications for freight transport development. Using the Fuzzy Simple Weight Calculation (F-SEWIC) method, seven critical factors were evaluated: lack of industrial infrastructure, political instability, weak investment climate, poor transportation and logistics, low labor productivity, dependence on imports, and unstable regulatory and legal frameworks. Expert assessments were collected from four specialists in economics and industrial development, using a fuzzy linguistic scale to reflect the uncertainty inherent in such judgments. The results show that weak investment climate, political instability, and institutional barriers are the most significant constraints on production—factors that indirectly suppress freight volumes, limit the formation of industrial supply chains, and hinder the development of efficient transport corridors. By identifying and prioritizing these constraints, this study highlights the foundational role of domestic production in shaping national freight transport strategies and offers actionable insights for aligning industrial policy with infrastructure planning in Libya.
Keywords:
Investment climate, Fuzzy simple weight calculation, Domestic productionReferences
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