International Asia Pacific freightgrowth is expected to lead globalfreight growth in 2007 with an averageannual growth rate (AAGR) of6 percent over the same period, theInternational Air Transport Association(IATA) said.

It said the forecast growth reflectsthe strength of trade flows, economicgrowth and liberalisation, particularlyin China and India. Over the four-yearperiod to 2010, Pakistan is forecast tohave the fastest AAGR at 8.2 percent,just beating China with 8.1 percent andIndia with 7.9 percent.

IATA said seven of the top 10 freightmarkets fall within the Asia Pacificregion with China’s freight AAGR forecastat 11.6 percent from 2006 to 2010,followed by Pakistan at 8.8 percent,Korea 8.2 percent, India 8.2 percent,Sri Lanka 7.4 percent, Thailand 6.3percent and Indonesia 5.8 percent.

For Australia, IATA is forecasting anAAGR at 4.4 percent over 2006-2010.