News Archive 2010
JANUARY 2010 : Chairman's Message
"We will push on with our efforts to serve the International Freight Forwarders in 2010"
The Global economic downturn which started in late 2008 has continued to affect the business in 2009.
More than 10% of the ships are still lying idle in the anchorages, with more newbuilts waiting to join the service. With the controlled supply of shipping capacity, shipping lines managed to impose GRIs in most of the trade lanes but still came out short in turning around the company due to reduced trade. As a result, most if not all the shipping lines continue to suffer great losses. A number of governments needed to inject funds to keep their national carriers from going under. The situation is not really optimistic in 2010 in view of the uncertain recovery of trade and the threat of newbuilts joining the fleet.
Towards the end of 2009, China took a lead in announcing the recovery of economy. The US is still suffering from high unemployment rates although some companies, especially the bigger banks, have reported reasonable good performance. Europe has mixed report but the recovery seems to be slower. When things began to look better, Dubai World made the announcements which sent chills through the fragile market. With Abu Dhabi finally stepping in, fortunately the concerns are managed for the moment. In short, although there are signs of recovery, there are still a lot of uncertainties in the horizon. The rates of recovery would be slow and unlikely to return to the pre-crisis level in the near future.
We will continue to face many challenges in 2010. Shipping lines will continue attempting to manage their capacity and imposing GRIs. Fuel costs may continue to increase and add on to the shipping cost. Trade volume should pick up but there are serious concerns over the sustainability of the recovery as the fundamentals remain weak. Unfortunately, the LCL selling rates will continue to be suppressed despite the increases in carrier rates.
In 2009, Globelink group managed to make good headways with the International Freight Forwarder accounts. Together with our partners and agents, we are also moving on with the newly formed Global Consolidator Alliance to provide our customers with a global coordinated solution. We will push on with our efforts to serve the International Freight Forwarders in 2010.
We have also established a new office in Kuwait, expanding the presence of the Globelink group to over 80 offices in 14 countries. We will continue to build strengths in the network and expand our capabilities.
Despite the various challenges and uncertainties on the global economy, Globelink is optimistic to grow the business further by riding on the strong network of offices and agents. This is only possible with the support and dedication from every member of the Globelink family and agency network.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your unwavering support and I wish all of you a prosperous, happy and healthy 2010.
FEBRUARY 2010 : Cover Story: China 21st Century Logistics Times
Mr. Tan Choon Wei, our Group's executive chairman was featured in the December 2009 issue of China 21st Century Logistics Times. The editorial is in Chinese and below is a summary of article:-
Shanghai Port should develop re-export logistics
— An interview with Tan Choon Wei, Executive Chairman of Singapore CWT Globelink Group
Singapore CWT Globelink Group is respected as the largest listed logistics company in Singapore, and one of the biggest freight forwarders in Asia. Overcoming challenges in China to become an industry leader for LCL consolidation, it has carved out a unique path for itself. CWT Globelink has invested in many projects in China.
Mr. Tan Choon Wei, the Group's Executive Chairman, was interviewed at CWT Globelink's Xiamen branch office. The interview describes Singapore's experience in logistics and Mr. Tan's view on China's logistics industry.
"The re-export trade in China is still in its trial period. It is difficult for Shanghai to be an international shipping centre if there is no re-export cargo. I hope one day Shanghai will indeed become an international re-export centre. China will play a more important role than before in 2010, at the same time, it will face big challenges with lower volume cargo and higher cost in the logistics industry."
MARCH 2010 : Globelink Weststar Shipping awarded Gold Performer by Dubai Trade
Globelink Weststar Shipping has been awarded Gold Performer in year 2009 under the E-Services Excellence Award (ESEA) by Dubai Trade, the government portal connecting the Port, Customs and government authorities.
ESEA is an annual award presented by Dubai Trade to the best performers in e-Service adoption. Featuring a new theme every year and targeting a particular e-service, it aims to promote online services on Dubai Trade by rewarding customers who are early adopters to the e-services and those who maintain a high adoption percentage on the portal.
Globelink Weststar Shipping is accredited for usage of the portal to the maximum limits, and also for constructive feedback which helped in improvement of the portal. "This portal helped us in the e-payment to authorities thereby reducing the time we spend at different counters for completing export and import formalities," said Mr. Sreekumar, General Manager of Commercial, U.A.E.
APRIL 2010 : Globelink Uniexco participates in the annual "Fallas" festive celebration in Valencia
"Fallas", meaning fire, is the biggest annual street festival in Valencia. It is the most sensational and best known festival in Europe where there is enthusiastic participation in street parties, bullfighting and burning of structures and figurines usually portraying political leaders, film stars and other famous people made of wood, wax and papier mache.
Paella, a dish made with rice, is the most typical meal of the Spanish cuisine and every opportunity is taken to enjoy it. For many years, a Paella cooking contest is organized by the Shipping and Logistics industry during the festival. The contest took place on March 12 this year where a total of 250 paellas were cooked with an attendance of over 6,000 people. Globelink Uniexco, together with other companies of the Logistics sector had a very significant participation in the Paella cooking contest.
Many clients are invited to the celebration hosted by Globelink Uniexco's Valencia Branch Office Manager, Mr. Franscico Ripoll and his team. Also present are Mr. Joaquin Pueyo, Managing Director of Globelink Uniexco Spain, and Mr. Vicente Martinez, Assistant to the Managing Director and Sales Manager of Spain, who were visiting.
MAY 2010 : Congratulations on Newborn Baby
Congratulations to Mr. Johnny Yang, Deputy General Manager of Globelink-Trans, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, on his newborn baby girl.
We are certain the new addition will bring much joy to his family and not forgetting the sleepless nights!
JUNE 2010 : Globelink Opens New Portugal Office
CWT Globelink Expands its Presence to Portugal
It is with great pleasure that we announce the official establishment of Globelink Portugal office in May 2010. "Globelink Portugal will be under the stewardship of Mr. Fernando Veiga, supported by a strong and professional team with more than 13 years experience in the industry. Fernando's experience and in-depth knowledge of the Portuguese market will be a tremendous asset for Globelink Portugal," commented Mr. Tan Choon Wei, Executive Chairman of CWT Globelink Group.Together with Globelink Uniexco's 4 offices in Spain (Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Bilbao), Globelink will now provide full coverage of the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal. Globelink Portugal will be operating direct consolidation services from many origins in Asia and Europe into Portugal.
The team will continue to develop more direct consolidation services from additional origins into Portugal. Globelink Portugal will also be starting direct export consolidation service from Portugal to Singapore to serve various Asian destinations via Globelink's main hub in Singapore. In addition, there are twice weekly trucking services connecting Oporto and Lisbon with both Barcelona and Valencia. The comprehensive trade lane coverage at Barcelona and Valencia will serve as efficient and competitive gateways for both import and export traffic of Portugal.Globelink Uniexco Spain has been the driving force behind the establishment of Globelink Portugal and the expansion from Spain into Portugal will ensure that both customers' and agents' requirements for the entire Iberian Peninsula will be very well covered. With the opening of Globelink Portugal, the Globelink family now has presence in 82 offices across 15 countries. In addition to Portugal and Spain, Globelink has offices in Australia, China, Egypt, India, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and U.A.E.
JULY 2010 : Globelink Opens New Indonesia Offices
CWT Globelink Expands its Asia Presence
It is with great joy that we announce the launch of Globelink Indonesia (PT Globelink Sea & Air Freight)!! Indonesia is a very important market that has been showing a lot of growth potential. It is therefore an important strategic decision for CWT Globelink to establish direct presence in Indonesia in order to ride the growth and to provide better and more comprehensive services to all our partners in the network.
Globelink Indonesia has offices in Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang and Belawan – covering all the major ports & all the important markets of Indonesia. Globelink Indonesia can also handle shipments to and from Bandung and Bali.
Globelink Indonesia will be spearheaded by Mr. BJ Yap who has more than 20 years of experience in the NVOCC industry and is among the top market leaders in Indonesia. "With BJ and his very capable and experienced team of professionals driving the growth engine of Globelink Indonesia, I am very confident that Globelink will be an established market leader in Indonesia, providing efficient, competitive and high quality services to our customers and our network partners," said Mr. Tan Choon Wei, Executive Chairman of CWT Globelink Group. Indonesia comprises of 17,508 islands and with a population of approximately 230 million. It is the world's fourth most populous country and the largest economy in South East Asia. Globelink's 4 Indonesian offices will be able to serve the following areas: Jakarta (Tanjong Priok) – serves Jakarta and West Java Area, e.g. Bandung, Cirebon, Purwakarta, Bogor, Cikampek, Sukabumi, Tangerang, Cikarang, Bekasi. Surabaya (Tanjong Perak) – serves East Java Area, e.g. Surabaya, Pasuruan, Sidoarjo, Malang. Surabaya also serves as a hub for Bali, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), Lombok and Sulawesi. Semarang (Tanjong Emas) – serves Central Java Area, e.g. Semarang, Yogyakarta, Solo, Jepara, Purwokerto. Medan (Belawan) – serves Medan in North Sumatera and Padang in West Sumatera. Medan also serves as a hub for Banda Aceh.
In addition, Globelink network of offices offer regular comprehensive services into and out of Indonesia.
AUGUST 2010 : Globelink Widens Service Coverage to Ukraine
Greater Foray into the Black Sea Region
In line with Globelink's aim to widen our service coverage and our efforts to better cater to the Black Sea and CIS market, we have developed a new direct consolidation service from Asia into Ukraine, using Singapore as the main Hub.With Kiev as its capital city, Ukraine is the second largest country in Eastern Europe. Ukraine imports majority of its energy supplies, especially oil and natural gas, machinery and equipment and food products.
The maiden sailing for this inaugurated service will depart from Singapore on 17 August 2010 and arrive at Ilyichevsk port 28 days later. Cargoes to 3 different destinations, namely Ilyichevsk, Odessa and Kiev can be accepted for shipment.
Ilyichevsk has been chosen as the port of call for our consolidation service due to the faster customs processing time compared to Odessa. The port of Ilyichevsk and Odessa is approximately 30 km apart and both ports are situated around the city of Odessa.Cargoes will be unpacked at a private bonded CFS close to both Ilyichevsk and Odessa ports (The CFS is approximately 11 km from Odessa and 23 km from Ilyichevsk). For shipments to Kiev, cargo must be custom cleared at bonded CFS before shipment can be forwarded to final destination.
CFS address in Ukraine:
23, Novomoskovskaya str. Odessa, Ukraine,
Customs terminal at 6th km of Odessa-Kiev Road.
CFS timing: 9am to 6pm (From Mon – Fri only)
Hazardous cargoes are strictly not acceptable. Perishables and liquids are not recommended for shipment. For further details and enquiries to Ukraine, please contact the respective Globelink local office.
Globelink also offers consolidation services into the Black Sea area from our Singapore hub. Singapore provides weekly services to Constanta in Romania and Varna in Bulgaria. There is also a direct fortnightly service from Shanghai to Varna. Do contact our Globelink offices to know more about these services.
SEPTEMBER 2010 : Globelink Opens New Slovenia Office
As part of its global drive to provide better network coverage and services to its customers, CWT Globelink has inaugurated Globelink EG Sol Slovenia in September 2010. Located in the heart of Europe, Slovenia shares its borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary and a short
section of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. Its capital city, Ljubljana is also the biggest city. Slovenia is located at the cross of the main trade routes serving Austria, Hungary and the Western Balkans of Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia.
Full country name: Republic of Slovenia
Area: 20,273 sq km
Population: 2.06 million
Capital City: Ljubljana (pop 330,000)
Port: Koper
The port of Koper situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea is the leading port in Slovenia and serves as the port of entry to major inland markets in Austria, Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany (Bavaria), Poland and the countries of the former Yugoslavia (Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, FYMR Macedonia). Globelink EG Sol Slovenia is managed by Mr. Dare Radojevic (Managing Director) and Ms. Mojca Kosir (Operations Manager) at the helm, both with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. They are supported by a strong team to tap on the vast potential of the market. Headquartered in Slovenia, with a branch office in Croatia, Globelink Slovenia offers a wide range of services to complement the Globelink network. Globelink network operates regular direct LCL consolidation services from various Far East origins into Koper and Rijeka. There are also regular export consolidation services from Koper to Israel and Singapore.
Globelink Slovenia also provides customs clearance, road transportation to inland destinations, as well as other value added services as required by its customers. Globelink Slovenia provides excellent service as hub to main European destinations.
OCTOBER 2010 : Globelink Opens Hong Kong Office
CWT Globelink Strengthens its Asian Presence
To gain an even stronger foothold in Asia, CWT Globelink has filled its missing link with the official establishment of Globelink Hong Kong in October 2010. Strategically located in the heart of Asia and on China's South Coast, Hong Kong is enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. One of the most densely populated nations in the world, Hong Kong is a recognized global centre of trade and has maintained its position as one of the world's busiest container ports and a major international maritime centre.
Globelink Hong Kong is fronted by General Manager, Mr. Jacky Or, who has more than 18 years of experience in the NVOCC market and Vice President, Mr. Andrew Tan, who was previously with Globelink HQ and has re-joined the Globelink family.
Hong Kong is strategically important to the Globelink network as it is one of the world's biggest cargo hubs and is also an important gateway for South China with the hinterland of Pearl River Delta region consisting of major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Jiangmen as well as Macau.
The launch of Globelink Hong Kong will help meet the growing demand and enable us to develop services to serve the Hong Kong market.
The South China market will be a significant focus for Globelink Hong Kong given the rapid development of the region. Globelink Hong Kong will now provide another alternative transshipment hub in Asia and with a team of experienced staff to manage the operations, the new office will add significant values to both the clients and the whole Globelink network.
With the official opening of Globelink Hong Kong, Globelink now has presence in 19 countries with a total of 88 offices. Other than Hong Kong, Globelink also operates in Australia, China, Croatia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, U.A.E and Vietnam.
NOVEMBER 2010 : Globelink Uniexco Spain is Now AEO Certified
Added Service Value with New Certification
Globelink Uniexco Spain is proud to announce that they have been granted the AEO (Authorize Economical Operator) for Protection & Security Certificate after a year of hard work in obtaining the certification from the Spanish Fiscal (IRS) Agency and the Spanish Customs Department. With the new certification and its worldwide recognition in the industry, Globelink Uniexco will add service value to the Globelink network.
Headquartered in Barcelona, Globelink Uniexco has offices in Valencia, Madrid and Bilbao and is also the first sea freight cargo consolidation company in Spain. Globelink Uniexco offers more than 50 regular direct export consolidation services and over 30 direct import consolidation services.
To find out more about the services offered, please contact Globelink Uniexco or visit their website:
www.gl-uniexco.com
DECEMBER 2010 : CWT Globelink Annual Conference
Dubai Played Host for 2010 Conference
CWT Globelink Annual Conference 2010 was hosted in Dubai and attended by a total of 144 delegates from Globelink offices and agency network. Globelink welcomed many first-time participants to this year's annual event with the attendance of fellow colleagues from Globelink new offices and also partners from the group's network. The 5-days conference provided excellent opportunities for all delegates to re-connect, exchange ideas and make plans for the upcoming new year.
A half-day networking desert safari tour before the close of the conference proved to be a winner and left many wonderful memories for everyone.The conference went smoothly with the great support from the Dubai team. The well-planned programs ensure that the delegates were able network with one another, conducting business meetings in a conducive environment, at the same time experience the wonders of Dubai in more ways than one. A big thank you to all who have contributed in making the conference a success and to all delegates, see you in 2011!
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