Home > Online Exclusives > Online Exclusive September 2006

WEB EXCLUSIVE

APL First to Secure Kaohsiung FTZ License

In July, Global supply chain company APL Logistics announced that it is the first international logistics provider to obtain a license to operate in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

In July, Global supply chain company APL Logistics announced that it is the first international logistics provider to obtain a license to operate in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Free Trade Zone (FTZ). The license will enable APL Logistics to offer more streamlined and flexible supply chain services to Taiwan­based customers as well as international customers seeking to optimize their supply chains through hub solutions.

The FTZ was created to promote Taiwan as an Asia Pacific operational headquarters for global companies.

The FTZ license was granted to APL Logistics earlier this year and the company has conducted successful live trials with customers from its Kaohsiung Berth 68 and 69 flow centers for several months.

The FTZ provides numerous benefits, including:

  • Simplified customs procedures
  • Exemption of duty, commodity and sales taxes
  • Most activities exempt from Customs checking, inspection, and escorts
  • Free movement of commodities with in the Kaohsiung FTZ and between other FTZs in Taiwan

Importantly, whereas many FTZs in other countries only allow simple processes such as packaging to take place, Kaohsiung allows in­depth and value­added activities such as manufacturing and assembly.

“Our brand new facilities coupled with the special benefits offered by the FTZ add great value to our customers’ supply chains that will help them grow their businesses,” says Brian Lutt, president of APL Logistics. “The FTZ will become a central component of our integrated global logistics infrastructure.”

“Since being granted the license, APL Logistics has successfully helped many of our customers leverage the Kaohsiung FTZ facility to optimize their supply chains,” says Wong Siew Loong, managing director of APL Logistics in Taiwan. “We are delighted with the interest it has generated with our customers.”

The FTZ is located at Kaohsiung Port, which is East Asia’s major relay hub offering fast and cost­effective connections throughout Asia Pacific.