3PL/Logistics

DHL has enhanced its ocean freight transportation network out of Auckland with the launch of a new direct LCL service to Singapore

Operated by DHL Global Forwarding's in-house carrier Danmar Lines, the new weekly service will enhance connectivity for New Zealand businesses with key markets in North and South Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Europe via DHL's multinational gateway in Singapore

Customers will also benefit from shorter transit times and enhanced cargo security and monitoring

According to Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL-GF for Africa & South Asia Pacific, the demand for global logistics services is high in South Asia Pacific, with businesses extending their footprints into Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East

Asian markets continue to be key for both importers and exporters Thailand is now New Zealand's twelfth largest bilateral trading partner, with total trade of more than NZ$15 billion in 2009, while Vietnam is now ranked 28th, with total trade of nearly NZ$500 million for the same period

There has also been an increase in trade to Latin America, predominantly in the agricultural sector Venezuela is now New Zealand's second largest dairy market, and Mexico the sixth largest

Brian Broom, managing director of DHL-GF New Zealand, added that while Vietnam and Thailand are major growth markets, China is stillvery strong and Indonesia remains a significant import lane for FMCG and other commodities