A top United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) executive called for lower global trade barriers during a speech in Colombia Thursday, saying nations that reject protectionism will flourish over those that don't.

Bob Lekites, president of UPS Airlines, also said reduced trade barriers hold the key to a global economic recovery. He made his comments during a keynote address at the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association's Airline Leaders Forum in Cartagena, Colombia.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the path to economic prosperity extends over global trade routes," Lekites said, citing the "unique perch" of a player in the air-cargo sector.

He bolstered the view with a number of statistics, including a World Trade Organization estimate that cutting trade barriers by a third would add $613 billion to the global economy.

Lekites pointed to Colombia as an example, saying free-market reforms have helped spur 3 million new jobs since 2002. But he warned as well that "a handful of leaders" in Latin America and the Caribbean "are trying to threaten the viability of free trade and the economic stability of the region," although he didn't elaborate.

Overall, he said more must be done worldwide to reduce free-trade restrictions, clear up customs "choke points" and improve infrastructure to help speed the movement of goods. He also said trade shouldn't be a political issue.

"A shipment that takes 15 minutes to clear customs in Taiwan can take hours or even days to clear customs in some Latin American and Caribbean countries," Lekites said.

He said the issue is partly related to outdated customs systems in some countries but also to misguided practices. He cited Mexico as an example, saying packages valued at over $50 - meaning most packages - must be opened and inspected.

"Borders should not function as walls," he said. "Streamlining and automating customs is a big step toward free-flowing global trade."

Lekites also called for more investment by the U.S. and other governments in transportation infrastructure, saying "inadequate highways, poor rail capacity and congested ocean ports are really putting a strain on global supply chains."

He cited an internal UPS study that as little as a five-minute delay for all of the company's U.S. trucks due to congestion would cost about $100 million annually.

-By Bob Sechler; Dow Jones Newswires; 512-394-0285; bob.sechler@dowjones.com