Kerry Logistics, Sitthi Logistics join hands to develop dry port in Laos

May 14, 2019: Hong Kong-based Kerry Logistics Network Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between its subsidiary, KLN (Singapore) Pte Ltd, and Laos' Sitthi Logistics for developing a dry port in the Vientiane Logistics Park in Laos.

The signing ceremony was attended by the deputy prime minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, as the guest of honour. The move is part of Kerry Logistics' development strategy to seek accelerated growth in ASEAN by developing an integrated Greater Mekong Region platform covering Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

The dry port will be situated in an area of approximately 35 hectares, to be developed in phases for the transfer of cargoes at Vientiane, which connects the railway lines between China and Thailand from Kunming to Bangkok. An efficient dry port is not only expected to help attract investment to Vientiane and its surrounding areas, but also, turn the city into a major economic hub along with the Belt and Road trade routes.

George Yeo, chairman of Kerry Logistics, said, "We at Kerry Logistics are proud to play a role in the development of Laos and what will become an important economic corridor between China and Southeast Asia. We are fortunate to have in Sitthi Logistics a strong local partner. Together with Sitthi Logistics, we will work hard to make the dry port project a success and an asset to the Laotian economy."

Kerry Logistics will provide management expertise, while Sitthi Logistics will provide local support. The facilities will allow the logistics industry to transport goods by road and rail and create an efficient logistics system to accommodate a range of industries and facilitate distribution along the economic corridor between China and Thailand.

To enable the Laotian economy to benefit from the Kunming-Bangkok rail and to fully utilise the plentiful resources and labour in Laos, the Lao government is introducing economic incentives and conducive regulations for the building of an efficient logistics centre in Vientiane.

In 2018, Kerry Logistics completed phase one of the inland port in Mandalay and the inland port in Yangon. With stronger growth anticipated to persist in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, Kerry Logistics will continue to leverage its established network in Asia to take advantage of the booming intra-Asia trade and maintain its business growth in Asia.