Logistics: In Brief - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, July, 2000

COURIER FIRM DHL Worldwide Express is sinking US$34 million into a purpose-built cargo facility that will make Singapore its South East Asian hub, the first of three hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. "The new hub facility will consolidate DHL's inbound, outbound and airport operations under one roof," says Charles Longley, DHL chief executive Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. He says the hub will be capable of processing 18,500 shipments an hour and 180,000 tonnes of cargo a year when completed in mid-2001. The centre will be built by Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) at the Changi International Airport. SATS, a unit of Singapore Airlines, will spend S$30 million building the facility. DHL's cargo operations in the Asia-Pacific region and Middle East, which cover 51 countries, have seen volumes grow more than 30 per cent annually with revenue growth "in the area of 15 to 20 per cent", according to Longley.

-- Reuters

HYUNDAI ENGINEERING and Construction and Hyundai Asan Corp plan to build a 30km railroad section starting from Kansong in South Korea to Onjong-ri in North Korea, enabling direct travel to the tourist spot of Mt Kumgang. The cost is an estimated 260 billion won (US$223 million) and Hyundai seeks to raise the funds through a consortium with large domestic corporations or by attracting foreign capital. "The railroad project has been under review as an inter-Korean project, but requires consultation with relevant government authorities," a Hyundai source said.

-- Asia Pulse