An international courier giant has put in place major expansion plans in India to cater to the growing needs of businesses and individuals worldwide.
From state-of-the-art warehouses and computer software to sorting and distribution systems, DHL Global Forwarding hopes to retain and foster its market leadership and deliver services with increased efficiency.
DHL India Chief Executive Christoph Remund was in Auckland recently to outline his Company’s plans and update businesses of the developments in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
“DHL Global Forwarding has set up a robust Trade lane Management in India to assist smaller organisations to promote their business on key trade lanes between India and other markets such as New Zealand.
“India offers the most attractive logistics market in Asia with huge potential for growth,” he said at a Road Show held on October 5 at the Villa Maria Estate in Mangere, South Auckland.
Since its establishment in 1996, DHL Global Forwarding has grown to offer comprehensive services to clients, Mr Remund said.
He said DHL has invested more than $US 315 million in the last seven years to provide quality products and services to customers.
“We have recently announced an investment of $US 10 million to establish a logistics and warehousing facility in the upcoming Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) in Tamil Nadu. DHL Global Forwarding will be the first global logistics company to operate a facility within the FTWZ that offers customers the benefits of a duty free zone with high quality infrastructure,” he said.
The 150,000 sq ft new facility will feature covered and open warehousing, offering a wide range of services.
“Our Value added services include consultations, advance ruling, Drawback of duties, Refund of Duties, Appeals, Special Valuation Branches (SVB), Accredited Clients Programme (ACP) and Special Economic Zone EZ and Export Oriented Unit (EOU) management services. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) connectivity enables transmission of information electronically to Customs at all major centres. However, our personalised service with proven expertise in customs clearance and cargo handling will never be compromised,” he said.
According to Mr Remund, India’s logistics market revenue was $US 75.19 billion in 2009, representing about 6.2% of the country’s GDP. The market is expected to reach $US120.42 billion in 2014, with compounded growth rate of 9.9% during this period.
DHL India recently obtained ‘Own Custom House Agent License’ from the Indian Government, enabling it to register with 17 Customs Commissionerates, covering major customs gateways throughout the country.
Mr Remund said the Indian Government was aware of the existing shortcoming and were addressing them. These include integration of the fragmented logistics industry, infrastructure development and improvements in cargo handling facilities.
A significant change and decongestion of airports would enhance the quality of trade in the logistics industry. The new upgraded airports at Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad have not adequately considered the needs of the forwarding industry with no proper facilities available for cargo,” he said.
He said the Government’s move to integrate the indirect tax structure through a single Goods and Services Tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) format would be another step forward in simplifying the tax procedures.
The picture appearing here shows (from left) Brian Broom (DHL New Zealand Managing Director), Mr Remund, Sandeep Pingle (DHL India Marketing & Sales Director), Frank Hageman (DHL New Zealand Marketing & Sales Manager) and Ray Viegas (DHL New Zealand Trade Lane Manager India).
