In the early days of trade, seafarers relied on a combination of navigational skills, courage and
good instincts to steer their way through turbulent waters. In more recent times, technology has
transformed the 31____ we circumnavigate the globe but the basic need to steer a steady course
through stormy seas remains the same.
Over the past year, world trade has found itself tested by strong sea swells, with the 32____
economy still buffeted by the lingering effects of the crisis of 2008-09. As a result, world trade
growth fell to 2.0 per cent in 2012 — down from 5.2 per cent in 2011 — and is expected to 33 ____
only slightly in 2013, to around 3.3 per cent.
The need for a steady hand at the helm is greater now than 34____ before. The trade figures
for 2012 highlight that, 35____ some progress, many of the structural flaws in the global economy
are still to be addressed. Until governments rectify the policy shortcomings that have contributed to
the crisis, protectionist pressures will continue to mount.
【題組】31. (A) compass (B) discipline (C) fuel (D) way