FedEx is continuing its global freight forwarding expansion with new offices across Asia and Europeand is also launching a trade mission to Turkey to increase business opportunities there.
FedEx Trade Networks, the group’s expanding international ocean and air freight forwardingbusiness, has opened seven new offices across Asia and Europe as part of its plan to expand itsglobal presence in key markets throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.It has opened a total of 14 new freight forwarding locations so far in 2009.
In Asia, the facilities are located in Xiamen, Tianjin, Dalian and Ningbo, China, along witha representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These new offices support the company’sinternational freight forwarding operations and provide comprehensive coverage in key Asia-Pacifictrade lanes.
In Europe, the company has opened two new facilities in Paris and Amsterdam. These openingsmark the company’s first owned operations in Europe and will allow FedEx Trade Networks to provideits customers with enhanced freight forwarding services between Europe, Asia and North America,including additional support and capabilities in the growing Europe-Asia trade lane, the companysaid in a statement. The Netherlands office also serves as the FedEx Trade Networks headquartersfor the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
“With this latest expansion in Asia and Europe, we can deliver more comprehensive globalsupply chain solutions to match the world’s ever-changing needs,” said Fred Schardt, president andCEO, FedEx Trade Networks. “Global shippers want flexible and reliable international freightforwarding, and our increased infrastructure can better support their needs between Europe, Asiaand North America as well as intra-regionally.”
With this latest expansion, customers will benefit from improved freight-forwarding servicein Asia and Europe, productivity and end-to-end support. In addition, they will have expandedregional access to services including international direct distribution, supply chain visibility,online FedEx trade tools such as WorldTariff, as well as trade and customs advisory services.
Separately, FedEx has teamed up with the Commerce Department’s US Commercial Service (USCS)to go on a trade mission to Turkey for US-based businesses interested in expanding into the Turkishmarketplace.
With visits scheduled to Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, the week-long trade mission that startedon 8 November will enable US businesses to better understand trade opportunities across keyeconomic hubs in the country. In addition, it will help Turkish companies pursue new acquisitionopportunities with American businesses.
“The US is already one of Turkey’s key trading partners,” said Rajesh Subramaniam, seniorvice president, International Marketing, FedEx Services. “By holding this trade mission, FedEx andthe US Commercial Service will provide US and Turkish businesses with valuable networkingopportunities needed to grow their businesses and maintain a competitive edge in the globalmarketplace.”
The companies participating in the trade mission represent small and medium-sized businesses,and sectors that include management training, restaurant franchising, specialised garments,information technologies, business services and consulting.
Since 2004, FedEx and the US Commercial Service have operated a joint trade promotioninitiative to help simplify the complexity of international trade, particularly for small andmedium-sized businesses. In May 2007, they renewed their commitment with a new 5-year agreement tocontinue their efforts to boost exports from US businesses.
