Express key to success

Mark McCord

The Mekong region needs to improve its infrastructure if it is to satisfy anticipated growth in express delivery needs, a Federal Express chief says.

While Vietnam has adequate facilities for current demand, it needs to improve road and rail networks as well as its cyber-connections, the giant's managing director for southeast Asia, Rhycke Jennings said.

Neighbouring Cambodia and Laos, because of their relative late start in economic development, have even further to go.

"We manage to provide an excellent service with the existing network," Jennings said. "As far as expansion... because these countries would like to see their economies take part more in the global arena they would need their infrastructure to be at a high level.

"They need roads and expressways through to southeast Asia. Laos Highway No 9, for example, is planned to extend to Vietnam and north Thailand. It is that sort of development that will help with trade and give us more options."

FedEx opened its first Vietnam office in 1994, when the US lifted the trade embargo it had imposed during the war. Now it boasts 10 offices in Vietnam, with a mini hub in Ho Chi Minh City. It also has depots in Phnom Penh and Vientiane.

Growth has been robust in all three nations although FedEx sees no need to fly its own craft or freighters into the region yet, finding enough bellyspace in commercial flights.

Jennings said, however, that administrative procedures could be improved.

"Our products that go through the airports at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh need the current level of services served. But further expansion needs improved infrastructure especially in the airports... as far as handling and express clearance through Customs is concerned."

Through its agent in Vietnam, the Post and Telecommunications bureaux of the two main cities, FedEx's network reaches 100 per cent of the country. In Cambodia and Laos the main populated areas are covered.

The company continues to place much emphasis on the region, which it believes has a bright future, Jennings said.

"FedEx has been actively interested in this area, as has been experienced by our involvement since the opening of Vietnam, since it was legal to do so. It's an important market for us.

"We continue to keep a close eye on it and make further considerations on investments.

One crucial piece in the jigsaw still needs to be put in place to make Indochina prosper, Jennings believes.

"A tremendous opportunity for these countries will be to have open skies agreements with the US and other major trading nations. Transportation is key to developing these countries. It is essential."