APL Logistics.

Leading global supply chain management company, APL Logistics (APLL), has extended its international network to include Kenya, which is fast developing as an alternative sourcing market--particularly for US garment manufacturers.

APLL has already begun handling apparel exports from Kenya, which is East Africa's key trading hub, and an increasingly attractive sourcing location. A primary reason for the focus on Kenya is the US-initiated African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) 2000, which has liberalised trade between eligible African nations and the US.

Danny Goh, APLL's Vice President for South Asia, whose remit also includes Africa, said, "As our customers seek to leverage new and developing opportunities to expand their sourcing networks, APLL has been working closely with them to expand our own supply chain network management capabilities into new markets such as Kenya, which has very quickly become a sourcing location with great potential."

In Kenya, APLL offers a full range of value-added services including purchase order management, export consolidation, first/last mile logistics, freight management, as well as ware-housing and distribution. Customers also benefit from the international scope of APLL's services, its access to global, multimodal transportation networks, as well as leading-edge supply chain visibility tools and data management capabilities.

APLL will be represented in Kenya by Fastrak Logistics, Ltd., a warehousing and freight forwarding specialist, which is part of the FFK Group that has been serving the East Africa market for 30 years.

Mr. Goh concluded, "Teaming up with Fastrak immediately gives APLL 30 years of local knowledge and expertise. This, coupled with our global reach and experience, means we can deliver logistics solutions that help our customers take full advantage of business opportunities, not only in Kenya but Africa as a whole."