JOY ORLEK HUBBING CARGO from Johannesburg into Dubai for distribution into the region has generated positive benefits for Johannesburg-based logistics operator Fastpulse Trading. Its strongest markets include Beirut, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia where there’s a strong flow of general cargo, particularly for the United Nations. “We do a lot of work for de-mining companies, providing a total logistics package that involves equipment, dogs, staff and anything else that a company may require,” says Fastpulse managing director John Evans. The Middle East is a relatively new departure for Fastpulse. “But we spent some time getting to know the regulations and understanding the demands, and our efforts have paid off. “We’ve seen growth of 200% in the first 18 months and predict more of the same,” says Evans. “With continued US involvement in the region, we foresee steady growth for at least the next three years.” Fastpulse is also involved in procurement across the spectrum. “We do a lot of local sourcing for certain products and that offers the client a 14% saving on VAT because we as the forwarding exporter can claim back the VAT on their behalf.” The Middle East is clearly not the easiest market to penetrate, with red tape one of the major challenges. “We’ve learnt the hard way that in certain destinations you have to have people on the ground with the know-how and the “right” contacts – and now that we know the ropes, opportunities are there for the taking.”
