Structural equation modeling for multivariate statistical analysis of the relationship between ports and regional economy

The mobility of people, cargo and information is importan to the economic and social activities in a region. Each movement has a specific purpose, a origin, a set of intermediate sites and a destination. For this reason, economic opportunities are likely to arise when the transport infrastructure are able to meet the demand requirements. In this context, this study aims to examine the relationship between ports and the regional economy, considering a perspective that involves transportation corridors and port hinterlands. The main ports and regions of southeastern Brazil were taken as the research object. A multivariate statistical approach was used by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze these relationships. The results suggest that the port offer has a positive effect on demand, and the value added to the port activity can contribute positively to the development of the regional economy. As contributions were generated important information that can help decision-makers and government authorities with respect to port regionalization and the regional economy.