In a move contrary to the prevalent recessive trend, Turners Shipping chose to expand its operations into overseas markets – with a strong focus on the Far East. To complement this expansion, Turners last year appointed Vincent Kwan as route development manager in the Far East. Based in Hong Kong, he is responsible for the southern areas of China as well as the Asia Pacific region. On a recent visit to suppliers and customers in this country, Kwan highlighted a common misconception about the China/SA trade. “Everyone assumes that local trade with China is only on the import side,” he told FTW. “But SA has a growing export market in China.” An example, he added, is that the Chinese have developed a taste for SA wines. “These now constitute a substantial percentage of our exports.” Blain Kondiah, MD of Turners Shipping, said having a presence in Hong Kong had been a boon for business. “Our freight figures are up by 50% over the same time last year,” he said. SA trade with the Far East is mainly in consumer goods, particularly electronics, textiles and chemicals. CAPTION Vincent Kwan (left), Far East-based SA route development manager, with Turners MD Blain Kondiah and Durban-based Far East route development manager Samson Nip.
