NEWS

DHL Express Tanzania has launched a modern courier and transit facility at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, giving the company a boost in rapid trade and economic growth in Tanzania through its services.

 

The facility which was launched at a colourful ceremony graced by the Vice-President, Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal, at the weekend was described as a benchmark for DHL Express operations in East Africa and beyond.

 

According to the DHL Express Tanzania Managing Director, Mr Blaise De Souza, the facility will help his company provide local Tanzanian businesses exporters and importers with reliable links to regional, international markets. "As you are aware, Express Delivery Services (EDS) are catalysts for trade and investment with enabler and multiplier effects for the wider socio-economy.

 

"EDS particularly benefits the modern, higher value-add and exportfocused businesses that are increasingly demanding 'end-to-end' solutions, 'justin- time' services and accurate delivery information," said Mr De Souza. He said for the 23 years of DHL's operations in Tanzania, the company has partnered with its customers to grow their business and help them keep their promises to their customers.

 

"But our business is not about envelopes and boxes: it's about entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers and students; it's about working with people to help them secure their future; it's about partnering together to help secure Tanzania's future," said Mr De Souza.

 

Among requests Mr De Souza put across to the government included the review of the 'de minimise' "Currently any imported goods with a value of three USD or 4,800/- must undergo full customs clearance. This is significantly lower than other EAC member countries and causes extensive and unnecessary delays in customs clearance," he said.

 

He wanted a contingency planning with authorities to extend working hours for customs to help the express delivery sector meet the needs of local business for urgent shipment delivery. Dr Bilal said the facility will help DHL reach its goal of contributing almost 1bn/- monthly as duties and taxes to the Tanzania economy through the Tanzania Revenue Authority.

 

"The Government would like to see concerned authorities speeding up the clearance process at the ports, so as to allow more packages to be cleared in a short time. The authorities should also ensure that a win-win situation is achieved when calculating taxes and duties," said Dr Bilal.

 

The VP asked DHL to use the facility as a catalyst to improving service delivery to its Tanzania clients. Minister for Transport Dr Harison Mwakyembe who also attended the function promised to look into the issues that appeared to slow down express service delivery.

 

DHL recently transported three critically endangered black rhinos, as part of a conservation initiative by The Aspinall Foundation, from the United Kingdom to the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. DHL's very special cargo consisted of one male rhino, Monduli, and two females, Grumeti and Zawadi, which are now living in the wild for the first time.