The new DHL Qianhaiwan Integrated Logistics Centre is a significant step for logistics industry development in the area. Provided to China Daily

Logistics leader aims to get things moving in Qianhai project

Not long after it was formed 43 years ago, DHL pioneered express delivery in the Asia-Pacific region and became the first such service to enter China.

Now, the world's leading logistics company has been quick off the mark again to become the first to sign up to the new Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone established by the Chinese government and due for completion in 2020.

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On July 17, DHL Global Forwarding, a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for strategic collaboration with the zone's administration.

The agreement allows DHL to establish its presence in Qianhai, the testing ground of China's new financial innovation, set to become a thriving commercial center and one of the world's biggest logistic hubs, thanks to preferential policies granted by the State Council.

Under the terms of the memorandum, DHL will set up an integrated logistics center in Qianhai and take advantage of the bonded zone's preferential business policies, logistic facilities and strategic location.

The center, located in Qianhai bonded port, was jointly opened on July 19 by DHL and China Merchants Bonded Logistics Co, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group.

Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL, says the opening of the new logistics center marks an expansion of DHL's service capabilities.

"It represents a concrete manifestation of our ambition to be a provider of choice by making our customers' lives easier," he says.

"We believe Qianhai is a strategic area of rapid expansion in logistics and it will be an engine of modern development."

Fu Yuning, chairman of CMG, says the group will enhance the strategic partnership with DHL and expand its investment in the development of Qianhai, which plays a vital role in the construction and operation of the Qianhai bonded port, as well as advancing the Hong Kong-Shenzhen service industry development.

The project combines CMG's expertise in asset-heavy investment, bonded port operations and management with DHL's established role in logistics and advanced customer service capabilities.

It is an important pillar of DHL's global logistics strategy, operating as DHL's regional shipping hub and distribution center in southern China, says Edward Hui, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Hong Kong, Macao and South China.

According to its annual report, Deutsche Post DHL's global revenue reached 52.8 billion euros ($66 billion) in 2011, the Asia-Pacific region accounting for 19 percent. At more than 4.2 billion euros, revenues in China already represent more than half of DHL's total Asian revenues.

"As the global logistics industry leader, DHL is excited to be part of the development of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, which is set to reach new international logistic benchmarks," Hui says.