GD Express Closer Towards Starting Ops In Laos

GDEX officials visited Laos last March to conduct a 10-day feasibility study on the Laos National Postal Co and the express delivery industry there

MALAYSIA’S air express firm GD Express Carrier Bhd (GDEX) (0078) is moving a step closer to expand its express delivery business to Laos, the firm’s second international foray after Singapore in 2007.

In a statement issued last week, the company said since it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Laos National Postal Co, or Enterprise Des Postes Lao (EPL), to develop international and domestic express delivery services under shared brands for the Laos market, both parties have moved quickly with their feasibility studies on the joint venture.

GDEX chief executive officer Leong Chee Tong said company officials visited Laos last March to conduct a 10-day feasibility study on EPL and the express delivery industry in that country.

“Laos is a relatively small country with a population of six million people.
“As the country is opening up, we can participate in the development of various aspects of its logistics infrastructure,” he said in the statement.

Recently, officials from EPL and the National Authority of Post and Telecommunications of Laos completed their feasibility study on the operations of GDEX Malaysia and Singapore.

“The joint venture is ideal for both parties. EPL will provide the network while we will provide the technology and the proven express delivery systems,” Leong said.

With a modern express delivery system in place, EPL will have cutting-edge processes and technology to compete with its regional peers.

More importantly, the country will be able to offer efficient delivery services to both its visitors and foreign investors, and also the local populace.