The relationship between logistics performance and international trade and its effect on countries' competitiveness: A conceptual model proposal

International trade plays a critical role in the global economy as it drives economic growth, increases productivity, and helps stimulate innovation and technological progress. In parallel with the development and growth in world trade, logistics services are also gaining importance. While strong logistics systems are essential for the efficient transport of goods and people, they have become imperative for the overall functioning of an economy. Countries and businesses strengthen their logistics performance, attract investments, develop their products, innovate and have a say in the world market by increasing their export figures. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between logistics performance and international trade and the effect of countries on competitiveness, with foreign direct investment and patent intermediation roles in countries. In this context, the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and 6 selected Asian countries were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using data from 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. In order to examine the direct and indirect effects of logistics performance on international trade and global competitiveness, a model proposal was presented and SEM path analysis was performed. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that logistics performance has a positive and significant effect on international trade and global competitiveness. In addition, the findings of the study show that foreign direct investments mediate the relationship between logistics performance, international trade and global competitiveness, and patents mediate the relationship between logistics performance and international trade in a manner appropriate with the results of the path analysis. In global markets, logistics services affect the trade performance of countries in terms of cost, reliability, on-time delivery and customer satisfaction, attract foreign direct investments to the country, and provide competitiveness to countries by providing technological innovations.