Agencies
Monday, February 22, 2010

Damco opens new office in Djibouti, in order to assist import and export customers in Ethiopia and Djibouti with their logistics challenges. This latest opening brings Damco’s total number of offices in Sub-Saharan Africa to 32 across 26 countries.

Customers in the area will initially benefit from Damco’s ocean freight forwarding, customs clearance and extensive inland transportation services. Djibouti’s position on the major East-West trade lane between Europe, the Middle East and Asia has turned the port into a key transportation hub in the area. The country also benefits from its status as a free-trade zone and is thus a key transhipment location for the region.

Nils Havsager, CEO of Damco Africa explains: “Djibouti is the key gateway into the Horn of Africa, in particular for Ethiopia, and benefits from modern shipping terminals and an array of shipping lines servicing the port. Furthermore, it is very closely linked with the economies of the Middle East where Damco also has a strong presence. The opening of the Djibouti office follows on from Damco’s expansion into Zimbabwe and Mozambique at the end of 2009 and re-affirms Damco’s commitment to Africa as well as our strategy of expanding the company’s presence in emerging markets.”

Mandeep Singh, Head of Damco’s Djibouti operations, elaborates on how Damco’s presence will benefit customers: “Trade through Djibouti has grown steadily over the years, and we believe that there is a gap here in terms of complementing this growth with a professionally managed company providing efficient landside services. Damco will be launching a number of reefer solutions, providing a competitive mode of transport, supporting customers in Ethiopia. One of the exciting developments witnessed in the Ethiopian market is the huge growth in Floriculture.