DHL Logistics partner for SLAEA

DHL, the world’s leading Express and Logistics Company, announced a strategic two-year tie-up with the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLAEA) as its ‘Preferred Logistics Partner’.

The agreement was inked by DHL Sri Lanka Country Manager Martin Dudek and Chairman of the SLAEA, Noel Priyathilleke.

Over the past years, Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile industry has represented the largest slice of DHL’s customer base, and still continues to do so.

The company has, in turn, forged a very successful partnership with the industry by closely working hand-in-hand with Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile manufacturers, and facilitating their international logistics and transportation needs.

“DHL Sri Lanka and the SLAEA have always had a very close, positive and strong relationship. We are proud to have brought it our international expertise to support its numerous industry-related initiatives.

Our appointment as the ‘Preferred Logistics Provider’ of the SLAEA further consolidates this strong partnership we enjoy.” Martin Dudek said.

DHL Sri Lanka has greatly reduced the lead times in reaching the international markets, by providing innovative and efficient logistics and shipping solutions.

Among this are the ‘Next Day Service’ to US and the UK. DHL further collaborates with the SLAEA in trade facilitation by lobbying with the relevant regulatory bodies to review some of the prevailing import and export regulations in accordance with today’s international market dynamics.

The ‘Fashion First’ and ‘Express Pallet’ packages have been conceived as a direct result of DHL’s specialised focus on the apparel and textile industry.

Chairman of the SLAEA Noel Priyathilleke said this was not the first time that the Association tied up with DHL.

“As the world’s leading express and logistics company DHL epitomises speed and efficiency in the best sense of the word. Given the diverse demands, changing time lines and varied logistics of the Sri Lankan apparel industry, DHL has always performed beyond our expectations, by being more than just a service provider.

This tie-up will undoubtedly benefit both parties and I look forward to a greater and stronger business relationship in the years to come”he said.

DHL currently uses direct flights to the major apparel markets such as the USA and the UK in order to offer the fastest delivery times to the local apparel and textile exporters.

DHL’s investment in the Quality Control Centre in Ja-Ela and the facility’s enhanced shipment tracking applications are also aimed at providing a seamless express and logistics service solution to these exporters.

“Both DHL and the SLAEA share the common vision of enhancing Sri Lanka’s status as a competitive player in the international apparel market. Our extensive international reach will not only enable Sri Lankan apparel exporters to ‘clinch the deal’ with their prospective buyers faster and more reliably, but will also facilitate their endeavours to reach new markets,” Dudek added.