SAFMARINE WILL send a fact-finding team to mainland China next month to explore, among other things, the longer term possibility of establishing direct vessel port calls should the anticipated volume of business materialise.
The team will also seek further information on trading opportunities that will benefit importers and exporters; review progress on an application to establish a representative office in the People's Republic of China; and further develop container logistics facilities in the region.
James Lewer of Saferoute/Trutainer, the NVO unit within Safmarine and CMBT Lines, will lead the team.
Commenting on Safmarine's establishment of a China Desk in September last year, divisional director Barry Fourie told FTW that there had been many enquiries not only for trade between Southern Africa and China but also between China and West Africa and east coast South America.
Shippers are finding that although the trade is complex, the rewards are potentially great. The team's visit to China will take place during March, April and May of this year, with regular follow-up visits planned in future.
