TNT has expanded the geographical coverage of its Economy Express service to and from Malta to 75additional countries worldwide.
Effective as of this week, the expansion builds on TNT’s successful introduction of themarket’s first integrated road-ferry service between Malta and other European Union countries in2008. The service is part of TNT’s industry leading Express Road Network, which reaches over 40countries in Europe and Northern Africa, connecting them to the rest of the world through TNT’sglobal air network.
With Economy Express, the company now offers a new cost-effective service alternative forparcels and freight shipments up to 1,000 kg (palletised) between Malta and the rest of the world.The service includes on demand booking, day-definite delivery within 2-5 working days, door-to-doortransport, customs clearance and track and trace.
TNT said the service expansion will benefit, amongst others, Asian exporters who serve theMaltese industry as well as Maltese importers of electronic, eco-friendly and household goods. Itfits with TNT’s strategy to strengthen its number one position in Europe and increase theconnectivity with selected emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia.
“The Economy Express volumes transported between Malta and its EU partners have exceeded ourexpectations. With the experience in place, we are extending this cost-efficient delivery serviceto other continents,” said Jan Willem Breen, Director Marketing and Sales at TNT’s Expressdivision.
In its ‘interim forecast’ published in January 2009, the European Commission estimated Malta’s GDP growth at 2.1% in 2008. Despite the economic downturn, the EC expects Malta to achieve apositive 0.7% GDP growth in 2009, well above the EU and euro zone average.
Malta has a strong manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles with theEU countries being Malta’s main trade partners. China and Singapore are also important for Malta interms of imports. Malta’s central Mediterranean location makes it a hub for freight shipment and afacilitator for trade between Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East, TNT added.
