August 16 - Johannesburg, South Africa headquartered forwarder Imperial Logistics has entered into a joint venture with international advisory and procurement firm, The Beijing Axis.
Under the venture, Imperial Logistics will be able to offer its clients an end-to-end supply chain solution between Asia and Africa.
According to The Beijing Axis chief integration officer, Cobus Rossouw, the venture will ensure the supply chain group and its clients are positioned to capitalise on booming trade between the regions; some analysts estimate that China-Africa trade could total USD385 billion by 2015.
"This joint venture produces a team with the ability to build a seamless distribution channel from China - and other Asian, low cost manufacturing countries - to Africa, and vice versa," Rossouw added.
Under the venture The Beijing Axis aims to strengthen Imperial Logistics' capabilities in the mining, construction and industrial sectors: "We can support manufacturing up-time, capital project feasibility and cost optimisation," said Rossouw. "This is possible through sourcing, delivering and managing competitively priced, high quality goods. Such wares include raw materials, consumables, MRO items, construction material and capital equipment."
With an on-the-ground presence in Asia, the partnership will also provide strong support to companies that are looking to expand into the Asian region.
