Jordi Torrent of Damco Maritime Spain signs an agreement with his Damco counterpart in South Africa, Martin van Zweiten, to provide reciprocal
warehousing, clearing and forwarding services
and to underscore
commitment to strengthening South Africa - Spanish trade. Standing are Conrad Cochrane-Murray, Spiros Augustatos, Ron Thompson and Gianluca Grandi of Damco Maritime
South Africa.
Damco launches Spanish groupage service
TRADE BETWEEN Spain and South Africa will be given added impetus following the launch of a regular streamlined sea and air container groupage service by Damco Maritime Spain, a subsidiary company of Nedlloyd / Roque.
The new service will boost the export of manufactured goods from South Africa, Damco Maritime Spain's Jordi Torrent told FTW in Durban last week. He said that until now trade had been largely confined to imports of gold, diamonds, aluminium and petro chemicals.
A good opportunity also exists for the export of fruit and vegetables to take advantage of seasonal differences. Direct flights to Johannesburg were introduced by Iberia Airlines six months ago. Manufacturers canvassed so far in Johannesburg and Durban by Damco Maritime South Africa have responded exceptionally well.
Torrent said that South Africa was still largely an unknown quantity in Spain but said that Damco would be using its extensive network to boost trade.
Last year Spain imported South African goods worth R3.5 billion. Gold and diamonds headed the list but petro chemicals, aluminium, paper and plastic products also featured. Exports worth R2.2 bn included car parts, leather and textiles.
Spain increased exports last year by 28% while the value of imports from South Africa increased by 26%.
By Terry Hutson
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