DHL Express Egypt plans to invest LE 500 million (€57 million) in a new regional hub at CairoAirport that will be its biggest logistics hub in Africa and a vote of confidence in the troubled
country.The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cairo Airport Cargo Company tobuild the facility at Cairo International Airport’s cargo village. It should go into operation by2014.
DHL Express Egypt explained that the new LE 500 million (€57 million) facility is part of itsgrowth strategy in the region. “The new DHL facility will be the MENA hub for consolidating,sorting and re-exporting shipments coming from Europe,” Amr Tantawy, DHL Express Egypt CountryManager, said.
“The new logistics centre is an important investment milestone offering for the first timebonded warehousing services in Egypt giving customers the flexibility with tailor-made solutionsthat suit their business operations and requirements in the supply chain process,” he added.
Tantawy stressed that an important condition for developing the logistics sector in Egypt isto improve the country’s transport infrastructure. Therefore, investment incentives and simplifiedregulations are needed to attract more international investors. This, in turn, will strengthenEgypt’s position as a competitor to the global logistics hubs such as Dubai and Hong Kong, he said.
“Building on our broad expertise and global geographic reach, we plan to offer our customersin Egypt our door-to-door pick-up and delivery services. This unique DHL service will enablecustomers to purchase from any global destination, and pay for their shipments upon delivery inEgyptian pounds,” Tantawy said.
DHL started its business in Egypt in the early 1980s with a small office located in Cairoemploying only 24 staff. Today, DHL Egypt counts more than 400 employees, 40 branches across thecountry, and a fleet comprising 100 vehicles. The company continues to expand its presence andincrease its market share of currently 40 per cent to be the leading logistics provider in theregion.
