Turners beefs up India presence

Against a background of growing bilateral trade between India and South Africa, Turners Shipping has its sights set on expanding its presence in India – with its agency network playing a key role. Over the past four years the US-based BDP International has been developing a strong presence in the Indian subcontinent, forming a logistics joint venture with the India-based Unique Global Logistics. “The subsidiary company, BDP Global Logistics (India), is headquartered in Mumbai with a presence in all major cities in India which is a boon for us,” says Turners managing director Blain Kondiah. “Turners Shipping is BDP International’s partner in southern Africa which enables us to offer services to our clients with the knowledge that there is reliable expertise on the other side.” Kondiah says the company is targeting India’s expanding chemicals, life-sciences, healthcare, retail, telecom and manufacturing industries. According to the Trade and Industry Ministry, South Africa’s trade with India has doubled over the past five years, with minerals such as gold, diamonds and platinum; base metals; chemical products and machinery making up the bulk of exports. We import manufactured goods like vehicles, telephones, cell phones and pharmaceuticals. The value of imports from India has grown by 28% over the past five years. INSERT & CAPTION Turners is targeting India’s expanding chemicals, lifesciences, healthcare, retail, telecom and manufacturing industries. – Blain Kondiah