November 30, 2009

TOKYO-MOL Logistics (Japan) Co., Ltd. (President: Toshifumi Kato) today announced the start of apparel transport service from Bangladesh. The nation is showing continued economic growth and is drawing attention as a “China plus one” procurement target. MOL Logistics (Japan) began reviewing customs clearance procedures and port and harbor conditions in Bangladesh about two years ago, when the nation began to emerge as an apparel supplier for Japan. The study also included countermeasures for any problems that might result from doing business in this bustling market.

MOL Logistics (Japan) approached the initial task of establishing transport operations in Bangladesh by assigning specialized staff and employing a local shipping agency familiar with the nation’s complicated laws and customs clearance procedures. Japanese staff from the company’s subsidiary in Thailand and Japanese expatriates from India are also providing support for the new service. The company plans to smoothly incorporate Bangladesh into its global service network.

【Details of service】

• 1.  One-stop shipping for Intra-Asia transport service, backed by MOL Logistics (Japan)’s global network;
• 2.  Partnership with a high-quality agency with extensive experience in transporting cargo bound for Europe;
• 3.  Thorough measures to ensure reliable operation and provide effective logistic solutions.

*Cargo from the port of Chittagong in Bangladesh to Japan will be loaded aboard a mother vessel after transport to Singapore or Port Kelang (Malaysia) by feeder vessels. The service is tracked in real time. MOL Logistics (Japan) has also developed a backup system in which cargo can be switched to air transport in case of delays.

*Early in apparel industry seasons, sample products and cargo that is behind schedule will be transported by air from Dacca Airport.

*When a schedule conflict emerges between the Japanese and European apparel seasons, cargo space may be tight in Bangladesh, but MOL Logistics (Japan) can address the problem even now with daily air transport service.

MOL Logistics (Japan) has also established a global transport system not only for the service from Bangladesh to Japan, but also to meet the specialized needs of apparel-related companies. Current customers include many trading companies and apparel manufacturers.

The company will continue to offer high-quality transport service from Bangladesh as the country gains a higher profile in global industry, particularly apparel manufacturing.