Kerry Logistics wins concession to operate inland ports in Myanmar to strengthen footprints in the Greater Mekong region

Kerry Logistics Network Limited, the logistics service provider in Asia, has announced that its subsidiary, KLN (Singapore) Pte Ltd, has been awarded concession to operate inland ports in Yangon and Mandalay, two major commercial cities in Myanmar. The awarding ceremony organised by the state-owned Myanma Railways under the auspices of the Ministry of Rail Transportation of Myanmar was held at the Sule Shangri-la Hotel, Yangon.

In a bid to seize new opportunities for cross-border trade upon entering the ASEAN Economic Community, the government of Myanmar is committed to developing the railway transportation potential and promote mass cargo transportation in the country. The inland ports will serve as container and cargo terminals linked by railway to major routes in the country, and as hubs for the exporters, importers and domestic logistics service providers of cargoes in and out of Yangon and Thilawa Ports, as well as for cross-border cargoes from neighbouring countries such as China and Thailand.

Commenting on receiving the concession, George Yeo, Chairman of Kerry Logistics, said, "We would like to thank the Ministry of Rail Transportation of Myanmar for its trust in us, and are pleased to be offered the opportunity to contribute our expertise in terminal logistics operations to benefit the development of Myanmar. Railway transportation is an essential backbone in support of Myanmar's economic development, both within the country and with nearby regions. Given Kerry Logistics' presence in ASEAN, our goal is to further strengthen the linkage among countries in the region and seek accelerated growth by developing an integrated Greater Mekong Region platform covering Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. The inland ports in Yangon and Mandalay form a vital part in pursuing such an integration."

With its expertise in terminal logistics, strong foothold and experience in the ASEAN region, and commitment to the development of Myanmar, Kerry Logistics will work in close cooperation with the Ministry of Rail Transportation of Myanmar to strengthen the country's rail transportation capabilities and expand its network both domestically and within Southeast Asia. This partnership is expected to create 400 job opportunities and facilitate industry expertise sharing in the country.