DHL-Sinotrans, the leading express company in China, today announced the setting up of a branch in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. With the move, DHL-Sinotrans becomes the first express and logistics company to expand its geographic footprint to the “Roof of the World”. At the same time, the new branch marks DHL-Sinotrans exceeding its goals of network expansion in 2006 – the company now has 73 branches across China, which has exceeded the target of 72.

“We’re very excited that our best-in-class express and logistics service could be provided across the vast terrain in China, with our service network now covering Tibet area,” noted Wu Dongming, Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans. “The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is seen as a bridge connecting Tibet and the rest of China. It is also expected to increase economic co-operation between the country's east and west, which implies great potential demands for express and logistics.”

Mr. Wu added, “As a trade facilitator, DHL-Sinotrans always aims to meet the business needs of our customers. We have now further expanded into the western area with the Lhasa Branch opening, which has reaffirmed our commitment to support the economic development of the different regions in China. With China’s ‘Go West’ strategy gathering further speed, we are confident of the growth and development of the western region.”

According to DHL’s First in China strategy which was launched in April this year, DHL-Sinotrans would increase the number of branches from the original 56 to 72 nation-wide by the end of 2006. This goal has been achieved ahead of time. With the opening of the Lhasa Branch, DHL-Sinotrans has successfully established 17 new branches in China this year.

DHL-Sinotrans celebrates 20 years of success in China this year, and with the increased coverage and record number of new branches opened within one year, 2006 has been the most remarkable accomplishment in the network expansion of DHL-Sinotrans since its establishment in 1986. The move is expected to boost the role of DHL-Sinotrans as a trade facilitator and strengthen its market leadership in China.

Mr. Wu explained, “Our network has been further expanded to the 2nd tier cities in key economic zones in East China. Moreover, we’re moving into developing areas in Central and West China, such as Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, ahead of the competition. With enhanced network coverage and our long-standing express and logistics know-how, this will help us offer stronger support to the economic development of China, especially the Central and West regions.”

At present, DHL-Sinotrans’ network covers 318 cities and 95 percent of China’s major population and business centers. Of the 17 new branches, six are located in Central and West China, and 11 are located in East China.

According to China's 11th Five-Year Plan, which starts from 2006 to 2010, the development of Central and West China regions has been stressed as a key strategic goal in the country’s economic plan for the next few years. With full recognition of the economic trends of China, DHL-Sinotrans is looking forward to growing in tandem with the boundless market potential in the country.