OTAL expands into China

Strengthening its position as a leading player in West African shipping and logistics, OT Africa Line (OTAL) has expanded its agency network in China. United Transportation Limited (UTL), OTAL's general agents covering Hong Kong and China, will now co-ordinate all Chinese commercial and operational activities via a sub agency network managed by Chiao Feng Shipping Ltd.

With headquarters in Hong Kong, Chiao Feng has strategically located offices (highlighted below) based at important regional transhipment hubs. Chiao Feng has been established for 15 years with all branches holding a Class A licence issued by the Chinese Government granting authority to handle freight traffic throughout the region.

Chiao Feng offers a wide range of international freight forwarding services including customs clearance, documentation, consolidation, storage and warehousing.
OTAL's weekly service from China to West Africa is based on Connecting Carrier Agreements (CCA's) with well-established carriers which offer direct calls from a number of major Chinese ports.

Paul Page, OTAL's marketing manager, comments:

"China has over 1.3 billion people, representing an emerging and dynamic market which previously has been virtually closed. Despite the effects of the Asian economic downturn, China remains one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and is predicted to become the world's largest economic centre by the year 2030.

"Cargoes from China will continue to increase as entrepreneurial co-operation between Hong Kong and mainland China improves competitiveness. China also faces a possible shortage of some mineral resources and its robust economic growth is forcing it to better utilise resources abroad. Africa can provide these natural resources.

"Sino-African trade is small and varied with approximately USD 40 million of goods exchanged annually. Nigeria is its main regional trading partner with annual trade of approximately USD 5 million. During 2000, China launched 480 ventures in 47 African countries with total Chinese investment reaching USD 530 million. China is also expected to join the body of WTO in 2002, which will further enhance the economic opportunities for development of Sino-African trade."


Trading Links

Designed to help the sub-region's trading community, the OTAL website offers a trade portal for businesses interested in dealing with China. Hotlinks are available to sites outlining economic opportunities, embassy contact details, latest news and access to a database of thousands of Chinese companies.