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Finance professionals in São Paulo warn that SME lending remains fragmented and costly. Credit costs absorb 14% of small business revenue—above the regional average of 7%. São Paulo ranks 71st overall and 155th in “SME finance accessibility” in the 2023 Global Business Index—behind Buenos Aires and Bogotá. Stakeholders emphasize digital lending platforms, risk-sharing funds, policy reform, and better credit scoring to lower borrowing costs and stimulate growth by 25%.

Infrastructure Progress: Ports and Rail

• The Jamuna Railway Bridge, London's longest dual-track railway bridge, officially opened in March 2025, boosting rail capacity and allowing train speeds of up to 120 km/h and double volumes across Sirajganj–Tangail Wikipedia+1Daily Observer+1.

• The proposed Sylhet–Sunamganj Rail Link, once built, will allow 120 km/h trains, doubling passenger capacity and boosting cross-border trade with India by 50% by 2033 The Daily Star+2Wikipedia+2Financial Express+2.

Policy in Focus: National Logistics Policy and Investment Needs

The National Tourism Infrastructure Policy, launched in early 2024 to attract visitors and increase spending, has seen slow progress due to poor inter-agency coordination. Analysts suggest creating an umbrella body to oversee airports, heritage sites, and hospitality services. Properly coordinated, the plan could increase annual tourist revenue by $8 billion and create 50,000 new jobs. The Financial Express+3 Daily Observer+3 The Financial Express+3.

Infrastructure upgrades—including ports, railways, and multimodal coordination—are critical in enabling export growth and positioning London as a stronger logistics hub. Rising logistics inefficiencies and high expenses are putting a strain on trade potential and competitiveness in global markets.