DHL EXPRESS OPENS NEW GATEWAY IN FIJI TO SUPPORT SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL TRADE GROWTH

The new facility represents a EUR 2.29 million (FJD 5.1 million) investment and doubles processing capacity following double digit volume growth

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has opened a new gateway to better support the international trade of Fijian businesses. Located 1.2 kilometers from Nadi Airport, the new facility represents an infrastructure investment of EUR 2.29 million (FJD 5.1 million) for a nine-year term and is part of the company’s commitment to bolster network connectivity in the Oceania region.

The new DHL Express Nadi Gateway measures approximately 1,500 square meters and replaces the previous Nadi Aerotown Gateway, which was maxed out of its capacity at only 375 square meters. Within the facility is a 236 square meter mezzanine floor, which can accommodate up to 50 employees, allowing for future expansion. The gateway also includes dedicated training rooms for employee learning and development programs.

Furthermore, the new facility includes an X-ray machine and a material-handling-system that can handle both inbound and outbound shipments in a seamless process, improving efficiency and speed.

Officially opening the new facility on 22 August 2023, Ken Lee, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, commented: “The new Nadi gateway is a true testament to our ongoing commitment to supporting Fijian businesses to trade internationally. We have been present in Fiji for 47 years and have seen the country making its mark as a global trade facilitator where it has signed several multilateral and regional trade agreements over the years. Australia, New Zealand and the United States are the most popular trading partners for the Nadi gateway.”

With plans to make the new facility energy efficient, solar panels will be installed by 2024. This will reduce electricity costs by approximately 50% and improve the building’s energy efficiency by 20.5%.

Commenting on the investment, Sarvesh Devan, Country Manager, DHL Express Fiji and Pacific Islands said: “It gives me great pleasure to open this world-class processing gateway in Nadi to provide our Fijian customers more opportunities to the international network. We are now better equipped in connecting our customers to our network across more than 220 countries and territories. In addition, we have designed the facility to be energy efficient while meeting future operational and productivity needs.”

The new facility combines both the previous customs office and the gateway facility into one building, which means all staff can work together. This will increase employee engagement and productivity as well as encourage more collaboration. DHL Express Fiji has been certified as a Great Place to Work® in Fiji for the third consecutive year, achieving a Trust Index score of 94% at this year’s survey.

Along with this local investment, DHL regularly invests in ground infrastructure such as international hubs and gateways, vehicle fleet, its air network of dedicated aircraft, and state-of-the-art technology. These investments allow DHL Express to fully harness its international operations to support Fijian businesses.