JAN 2011
Transportation Logistics
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DANISH-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 34 C.P. Tower 3, 9th Floor Tower, Phayathai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok10400 Tel.: +66 2 354 5220 Fax: +66 2354 5221 E-mail: contact@dancham.or.th Executive Director: Katrine Præst PRESIDENT Mr. Peter Emil Romhild Sr. Executive Vice President Berli Jucker Public Co., Ltd. Tel : +66 2 367 1111 Fax : +66 2 367 1000 E-mail : president@dancham.or.th VICE PRESIDENT / TREASURER / ALUMNI / HR Mr. Søren Presmann Managing Director Presmann (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tel : +66 2 962 1151 Mob : +66 89 668 7840 Fax : +66 2 962 1152 E-mail : treasurer@dancham.or.th VICE PRESIDENT / MEMBERSHIP / CSR / HR Mr. Charnchai Charuvastr Chairman Aviva Décor Limited Tel: +66 2 685 3661-3 Email: member@dancham.or.th CHAIRWOMAN EVENTS Mrs. Mai Ellegaard General Manager Euro-Center (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tel : +66 2 696 3626-27 E-mail : chairevent@dancham.or.th EVENTS Mr. Thomas Nyborg Managing Director Pandora Production Co., Ltd. Tel : +66 2 728 7200 E-mail : event@dancham.or.th EVENTS / LEGAL ADVISOR Mr. Santhapat Periera Partner Tilleke & Gibbins International Ldt. Tel : +66 2 263 7700 Fax : +66 2 263 7710 E-mail : egal@dancham.or.th CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP Mr. Jacob Bojsen Managing Director Visit Beyond Co. Ltd. Tel : +66 2 630 6994-8 E-mail : chairmember@dancham.or.th FOREIGN AFFAIRS / MEMBERSHIP Mr. Stig Vagt-Andersen General Manager Ben Adisti Co. Ldt. Tel : +66 2 168 7206 E-mail : foreign@dancham.or.th CHAIRMAN MEDIA Mr. Jakob Ingemann Chief Financial Officer ECCO (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tel : +66 35 716 601 E-mail : chairmedia@dancham.or.th MEDIA Mr. Robert Kronberg Managing Director PIRO Consulting Group Tel : +66 81 406 2854 Fax : +66 2 254 5766 E-mail : web@dancham.co.th MEDIA Mr. Thomas Lindy Sorensen Managing Director Maersk Line (Thailand) Ltd. Tel : +66 2752 9090 Fax : +66 2 750 9614 Email : media@scanmach.co.th EMBASSY REPRESENTATIVE Mr. Bo Bjerregaard Rasmussen Commercial Counsellor Royal Danish Embassy Tel : +66 89 204 9098 E-mail: borasm@um.dk EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ms. Katrine Præst Executive Director Danish-Thai Chamber of Commerce Tel : +66 2 354 5220 Fax : +66 2 354 5221 Email : director@dancham.or.th EDITING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION Scand-Media Corp. Ltd. 4/41 - 2 Moo, Ramintra Soi 14, Bangkok 10230 Tel.: (66) 02943 7166-8 Fax: (66) 02943 7169 Editor: Mr. Gregers Moller - gregers@scandmedia.com Marketing: Mr. Finn Balslev - finn@scandmedia.com Design: Supphathada Numamnuay supphathada@scandmedia.com
Peter E. Romhild President Danish-Thai Chamber of Commerce
Dear Readers First of all a very Happy New Year to all our members and readers. A new year is upon us, and it is time to look ahead from a challenging 2010. In this publication of Trade News we have taken a look at one of Thailand’s many strengths; Transportation & Logistics. This is our second issue focused on a specific theme, which has been very positively received by our members, and which we therefore will continue within the next Trade News. Thailand is on the way to becoming an invaluable logistics hub for the region, and we can only expect the new ASEAN free trade agreement to escalate this development. Read about Maersk Line’s expansion, challenging logistics inland transportation by DSV, project chartering by Nordana and many other exciting articles related to logistics and transportation. As one of the oldest and biggest shipping companies in the world MAERSK Line had a great success in 2010, and we are fortunate to have Mr. Michel Deleuran, Sr. Vice President Maersk Line visiting Thailand and giving an evening talk on February 8th. exclusively for members of the Danish Chamber. That is not an event to be missed so mark your calendar! Despite all the political and economic difficulties the Danish Thai Chamber of Commerce did well in 2010. We retained and even gained members, and had the largest number of business related events. Thank you to all our members for your support, and at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, on the 3rd of March, we shall further highlight the year and the activities of the various Board committees. For the AGM we are also electing new and present Board Members, and I encourage anyone of our members, who are interested in joining the exciting activities of the Board, to stand for election. Please read my further note on this on our interactive website, www.dancham.or.th Look forward to seeing you during 2011. Good hunting.
Peter E. Romhild President
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ASEAN’s Logistics Hub Thailand is fast expanding its infrastructure as part of the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. The logistics industry can grow with the opportunity to make Thailand a logistic hub within ASEAN. By Thomas Lykke Pedersen
T
he Thai economy is experiencing a healthy growth. The country has also become a preferred destination for many multinationals to set up their manufacturing base and exports from key sectors like automotive, electronics, textiles and furniture are on the rise. Improving conditions coupled with government support has resulted in the development of major infrastructure projects to support logistics. Both the government and logistics sector are working together to build Thailand as the logistics hub in the ASEAN region.
Logistic opportunities for Thailand
Thailand has a unique advantage because of its geographical location. It provides easy accessibility to all major ports in the vicinity, including Japan, China and India as well as emerging economies like Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Thailand has also committed to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and the Indo-Thai Free Trade Agreement, which have improved its trade ties within the region. These factors have resulted in the growth of some 6
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major ports like Laem Chabang, Klong Toey and Bangkok. Thailand also has an extensive road network. With a road density of around 125.7 kilometres per thousand square kilometres, Thailand presently ranks third in the ASEAN region. With the possibility of a TransAsian highway networking most countries on the Asian mainland, Thailand could become a regional logistics hub of ASEAN as it is contiguous with countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar. In addition, the government has taken initiatives to improve the country’s road and rail infrastructure network to match global standards. In 2005, the government announced a plan to invest US$45 billion in infrastructural development over the next 5 years. The growth of air transport infrastructure also has the potential to place Thailand at a logistical advantage. The opening up of the prestigious Suvarnabhumi airport recently, serves to boost Thailand’s position in the regional air freight market. International logistics companies may choose to make Thailand as their regional operations hub due to the country’s booming industrial
activities and excellent geographical location. Many foreign automotive companies such as General Motors and Toyota have already made Thailand as their regional manufacturing hub. Increasing exports of furniture and apparel industries could add further momentum to logistics sector in the country.
Challenges
However, there are some challenges that Thailand must overcome in order to be a regional logistics hub. It needs to address competition from other potential logistics hubs in the region. Singapore, which currently serves as a regional logistics hub for many companies in South East Asia, will be Thailand’s number one competitor. It already has a well established air and ocean transport infrastructure. Singapore also has the busiest port in the region, with an annual capacity of around 20 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). It also has a state-of-the art airport with good logistics support infrastructure and global connectivity. The country has a highly advanced information and communication network. Malaysia is another major
threat for Thailand in its pursuit to be the logistics hub of ASEAN. Malaysia is a rapidly developing nation with very good infrastructure in place. The country has five international airports and two seaports which offer state-of-the-art logistics support infrastructure including huge logistics parks within their vicinity. There is an excellent road network connecting all these major ports and government is trying to further spruce up the infrastructure. In comparison, Thailand still lags behind Singapore and Malaysia in terms of infrastructure development. It may take a few more years before it becomes a viable alternative to Malaysia or Singapore. Political uncertainty and civil unrest in some provinces could slow the growth of infrastructure. Besides, the logistics
The Chong Mek border point connecting Ubonratchathani with Pakxe in Laos used to be a sleepy wooden structure. The new facilities erected on the Thai side of the border speaks clearly of Thailand’s logistics ambitions.
cost in Thailand is almost 20 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). In comparison, Singapore and Malaysia’s cost of logistics are about 8 percent and 13 percent of their GDPs respectively. Apart from the limitations in transportation and warehousing infrastructure, the communication and information networks in the country also need to evolve significantly to match those of its rival neighbours. Human resources is a big challenge for the logistics industry in Thailand. Identifying the right people to do the job and training them to hone their skills needs a lot of investment from logistics companies. Thailand has good prospects to emerge as a regional logistics hub. However, it needs to overcome certain challenges, before it progresses ahead of its competitors and succeeds in its quest.
High priority areas
Competitiveness implies that goods and services are delivered to consumers on time or even ahead of schedule, in accordance with the terms of trade contracts. As a result of this, competitiveness will stimulate further trade expansion along with investments, employment and economic growth. Because logistics represent a major cost component and determinant of national competitiveness, Mr. Suchart Chantaranakaracha, Chairman of Thai National Shippers’ Council, hopes that the government will accelerate data linkages between various agencies so as to establish the groundwork for updated and comprehensive information systems. IT development within private sector enterprises also needs to be encouraged. The government also needs to focus
on amendment of outdated laws & regulations and promotion of logistic personnel training, thereby enabling private sector enterprises to upgrade their own organizations. Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association (TAFA) chairman, Mr. Kovit Thanyarattakul, hopes that the Ministries of Transport, Commerce, Industry, and Finance will collaborate in formulating logistics strategies and a master plan based on detailed studies which will identify the costs of producing/ processing/managing different categories of import/export goods and services. In particular, the costs of providing public sector services need to be fair and appropriate. Private sector participation in drafting national logistics plan and infrastructural investment projects will also benefit exporters and importers alike
in terms of better services and cheaper transportation costs due to increased competition. At present export clearance at Suvarnabhumi. Airport takes 5-6 hours compared to 3 hours clearance at Donmuang airport. Handling costs at the new airport are also double that of the old airport. Suthee Group’s Vice President, Mr. Prasert Thammanoonkul, President of the Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, added that various organizations need to improve internal logistics by upgrading logistic management skills and know-how. Inadequate understanding of this logistics will delay private sector adjustments, with adverse impact on the progress of infrastructural development, advanced information systems, as well as national competitiveness. January 2011
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warehousing facilities at the new airport, and installation of the Cargo Movement Control system in Suvarnabhumi’s Customs Free Zone, are consistent with the government’s strategy to develop local airports into world class Gateways. A Perishable Centre will also be built in the vicinity. Meanwhile, the new Logistics Centre for Electronics Parts and THAI Express Centre will soon open for business.
“Because local enterprises transact businesses with overseas as well as domestic counterparts, their product offerings have to meet international standards. To achieve this end, infrastructural investments must proceed hand in hand with personnel training, industrial development and advanced information systems,” he says. As a result of past investments, Suthee Group which is a leader in Transportation Technology has improved operational efficiency by 400% while inventory holding costs have dropped from 8% to 5%. The Group plans to reduce inventory costs further, up to 2%.
Global ranking
Strong public sector commitment
Dr. Chula Sukmanop, spokesman of the Ministry of Transport, noted that delays in implementing long term infrastructural projects will affect the development of integrated national logistics and Multimodal transportation. Dr. Malee Uabhardorn, Director, Water Transport Group, Office of Transport & Traffic Policy Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, noted that the Ministry of Transportation is responsible for developing transportation with a view to strengthening economic growth, ensuring national security, traffic flexibility and access to public transportation systems. The Ministry is also responsible for developing logistic systems to facilitate transportation of goods, lower transportation costs, expedite Modal Shift and promote Suvarnabhumi as a regional transport hub. To achieve these objectives, the Ministry of Transport and NESDB are conducting joint studies of transport behavioral patterns as well as routes and distribution centres for specific product categories. Basic infrastructural facilities will also be upgraded to meet users’ needs. NESDB’s Logistics Director, Dr. Suriyon Tanyakijjanukij, noted that sufficiency economy does not imply non-competition. In fact economic sufficiency requires greater competitiveness, not only in agriculture but also other economic sectors. At the 8
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One of the items in the logistics master plan for ASEAN is to build this rail link from Yangon to Hanoi and from Singapore to Kunming.... both with Bangkok in the centre. same time, local manufactures need to be fully aware of their own unique strengths & weaknesses as compared to overseas competitors. The draft legislation on transportation management to be promulgated within one year will liberalize private sector investments in infrastructural projects, thereby stimulating quantum growth in this sector. The Ministry of Transport will also focus on eliminating transportation bottlenecks by expediting ongoing projects, subject to the priority of needs of each industrial sector. Pending the completion of feasibility studies, new mega projects requiring huge financing, such as construction of Pak Bara and Chiangsan ports and their connecting railway systems, will be put on hold. The present administration will also speed up amendments of laws and regulations that hinder import/export while the private sector will be allowed to invest in specific projects that are consistent with national policy. The Joint Public-Private Sector Committee on Quality Supervision will be responsible
for selecting private sector investors.
Thai Airways support logistic plan
Thai Airways International’s Director of Standard Marketing Development Department, Ms. Suvimol Bualerd, and Dr. Malee Uabhardorn, agreed that current commitment to promote self-sufficiency economy does not affect logistic development plans which continue to enjoy government support, in line with the policy to strengthen Thailand’s national competitiveness. In addition to providing data support for the formulation of national logistic strategy, Thai Airways has also concluded Commercial Agreements to secure adequate cargo handling space to meet growing demand. TG’s Global Destination Network will cover major cities in every geographical region. Freighter Charter Flights will be expanded and more Freighters procured. THAI Express Cargo (TEC) and Door to Door Delivery Services will be launched in the near future. TG’s Cargo Freighter services, construction of
Due to higher transportation, warehousing and administrative costs, Thailand’s logistic service providers can’t compete with the USA, the EU, Japan and Korea. US operators have developed modern networks to facilitate multi-modal transfer from freighter airlines to trucks while the EU enforces strict standard control. Thai operators are also less competitive than their Singaporean & Malaysian counterparts. Although Thailand has an edge over China in terms of rules & regulations as well as linguistic abilities, Hong Kong will drive quantum growth on the mainland. PRC has also formulated a development strategy for multi-modal Transport. Mr. Suchart Chantaranakaracha said foreign competitors differentiate themselves in terms of organizational development and IT systems which link up various organizations/ companies to form viable clusters. As logistics represent one of Hong Kong’s four major economic sectors, global container lines and freight forwarders, i.e., MaerskSealand, P&O Ned Lloyd, OOCL, Nippon Express, Yamato, Sagawa, Excel, Panaplina, DHL, FedEX, UPS, TNT have set up operational centres branches in Hong Kong. Hong Kong government has also formulated a Logistic Master plan to accelerate development of sea and air ports and related infrastructures necessary for a full fledged multi-modal transport centre. Hong Kong companies also have access to Digital Trade and Transportation Network System to facilitate global supply chain, e-commerce and logistics management.
Your Carrier to Scandinavia Ocean Insurance Building 163, Surawong road - 20th Floor 10500 Bangkok Tel: +66 (0) 2 634 4255, Fax: +66 (0) 2 634 4257 Email: fareast@nordana.com
Asian Markets Show M Maersk Line is one of the oldest and biggest shipping companies in the world. The company will soon celebrate its 60th anniversary of operations in Thailand, and with growing presence in the Asian, Africa, and Latin America markets, the future looks promising.
By Thomas Lykke Pedersen
aersk Line is the core liner shipping activity of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, and the leading container shipping company in the world. With a fleet numbering more than 500 container vessels with a capacity of more than 1,900,000 twenty footequivalent-unit (TEU), it ensures reliable and comprehensive worldwide coverage to its customers in more than 125 countries.
Optimistic Outlook Ahead
According to the shipping statistics from January to November 2010, the containerised export volume in Thailand increased by 12.3% compared to the corresponding period in 2009, whereas the import volume increased by
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20.3%. This is a development that Maersk Line benefited from in spite of widespread stagnation in the Western economies due to the global economic crisis. Although the growth outlook for the shipping industry in 2011 is not expected to be as strong as in 2010, Maersk Line is not forecasting gloomy skies ahead. “We are quite optimistic about the outlook. A key indicator of world economic growth is the strong growing demands we see from emerging markets, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America,” says Managing Director of Maersk Thailand, Thomas Lindy Sørensen. “Our business in Thailand has been growing and we will focus on improving key areas such as on-time delivery, the environmental agenda and ease
Growing Demand of doing business. One aspect is to improve our current E-services and promote wider usage, as these will provide added convenience to our customers. For example they are able to use our online services to track their shipments, submit shippingrelated documents and check our vessel schedules,” Thomas Lindy Sørensen says.
Customer Focus is Key
For Maersk Line, customer focus and continuous improvement are two of its key business priorities to help it maintain its leadership position. For the huge Danish shipping company, this includes reliable service and delivering goods on time, which will help customers to manage their inventory control more efficiently. Based on the Drewry Schedule Reliability Insight Q4 report, Maersk Line currently tops the reliability ranking list
amongst the top 20 container carriers, with an on-time rate of 78.9%. But according to Thomas Lindy Sørensen, there is still room for improvement. “We will continue to enhance our on-time delivery performance to achieve the goal of having a 95% reliability rate,” he says. “We are investing significant resources to achieve this rather ambitious goal. We aim to achieve this through a number of initiatives such as further improved operational excellence, greater transparency throughout the supply chain and a simplification of the underlying processes.” Thomas Lindy Sørensen also emphasises on the benefits for customers to have tighter contracts with shipping lines,” This will ensure there is mutual understanding and agreement on freight rates and volumes. This will not only secure
customers vessel space, but also ensure they have a more stable freight rate throughout the year,” he adds.
Local Industry Developments
With reference to recent news reported by various sources on the issue of the alternative of paying for ocean freight in US Dollar currency in the future, Thomas Lindy Sørensen feels that there are some key issues to be worked out before this new rule can be smoothly implemented. “For example it will be helpful for the ship agents and exporters to have more flexible rules and regulations on the exchange rate which the Thai National Shippers’ Council is currently in discussion with the authorities and parties concerned.” he says. Another important factor affecting businesses in the
shipping industry, as well as other industries, is the new ASEAN free trade agreement. This is something which Maersk Line believes will be beneficial to both local as well as the international companies operating in Thailand. Thomas Lindy Sørensen comments, “Maersk Line supports free trade and believes that Thai shippers stand to benefit from a more open environment between ASEAN countries and their neighbours. Such free trade agreements will make it more attractive for multinational companies to expand their businesses in Thailand, especially in terms of cargoes that are moving to and from the South West of China, Laos and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries, as they will naturally flow through the Laem Chabang Port.”
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Danish Expert in Proj N Every year Danish sea freight company Nordana Project Chartering carries more than one million tonnes of cargo. Right now, most of the projects mean carrying cargo for the oil and power industry such as parts for oil rigs or giant turbines. By Thomas Lykke Pedersen
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ordana Project & Chartering was established in 1998 as an independent division within Nordana Line. The aim was to diversify the activities of Nordana Line and support the group’s existing customers by offering a world wide tramp service. Today, Nordana Project & Chartering is actively involved within the dry project cargo market, on average employing 20 vessels, some of them self owned while others are chartered tonnage, in size ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 DWT (dead weight tonnage). Nordana’s tonnage is modern and specialized with the ability to carry almost any type of cargo such as bulk, heavy lifts, hazardous cargo, RO/RO (rollon/off) as well as all kinds of break bulk cargo.
Danish Expertise
At Nordana Project & Chartering the main cargo is not containers as seen with so many other shipping lines. Actually, Nordana do not transport containers at all. “One can say that we have found a niche in not operating with containers, which means we have a huge flexibility,” says Torben Reinhard, Managing Director of Nordana Project & Chartering in Thailand. Operating in Thailand has never given the Danish company any problems. Actually the logistics are made easier here as there is no control of the ship’s cargo when arriving or leaving Thailand. “The control is being done in the countries from which the ships are coming from or going to as always, but there is no further inspection in Thailand. That’s something quite different but time saving,” the General Manager explains.
“The core of our business is ocean related but it often includes land transportation as well. I would say that the more demanding it is, the more we like it to prove the added value of our expertise,” Torben Reinhard says. Right now the trend in the sea freight business is heavier cargo. Thus, the crane lift capacity is a focus point. “Not many years ago the cranes could lift around 100 tonnes and that was a lot at the time. Today most cranes can lift 300 tonnes but even 1000 tonnes are not unheard of,” says Torben Reinhard. At Nordana, the volume lifted in 2005 was about 1 million freight tonnes and is expected to continue to rise. Another ongoing development is found in the area of regulations. According to Torben Reinhard, there is a constant tightening of the rules in the environmental and safety areas, but so far Nordana
ject Chartering has never fallen short of the demands. And with good reason. “Simply, we always have to be so far ahead of the development that we are not surprised or suddenly affected by new rules and regulations,” he states. Easier said than done perhaps, but Nordana Project & Chartering know just where to look to stay ahead of the game. “In the tanker area the rules a tighter. So we look at the development in our tanker section and learn a lot from there. Things we can implement in the dry cargo section,” Torben Reinhard says.
Company vision
During the financial crisis the whole sea freight business was struck really hard. In short, if no one is buying anything, nothing needs to be shipped. And Nordana Project & Chartering was not spared. “Many projects, already set in motion, simply had to be
frozen. The sea freight business took a huge blow at that point. Now, many of our orders have been picked up again and reactivated, but for some of them it can be 10 months or more before they can be executed. But times are looking brighter. In a relatively near future things should be back to normal,” Torben Reinhard explains. And with things back to normal, business is good. Nordana Project and Chartering has grown to be an important part of the Nordana group’s activities and it is the company aim to expand further. “With dedication and motivation we believe we are prepared to meet the future challenges from the shipping market. We adjust in accordance with the project that lies in front of us. Our procedures can be changed for the client, as we take the time needed with our clients figuring out the best way to go,” says Torben Reinhard.
And that way of individually tailor making solutions for the customers is a big part of the Nordana way of business. “Individuality has long been a shipping characteristic. We respect that, and want the individuality to be in accordance with the requirements. Our customers, suppliers and others shall be very confident that what we offer is a reliable shipping
solution,” says the Managing Director. Nordana Project and Chartering is a recognized carrier and has concluded single cargoes as well as Contract of Affreightments with major and well known charterers including General Electric, Siemens, Babcock & Wilcox, Alstom Power and ABB, just to mention a few.
The Goods Have to For the Thailand branch of freight company Scan Global Logistics, 2010 was a mile stone year. A year where the company took on bigger challenges than ever before – and overcame them. By Anya Palm
L
ogistics are one of these things that no one pays attention to unless it does NOT work. If everything runs smoothly, no one lifts an eyebrow. And Jimmy Jensen and his team at Scan Global Logistics will do whatever is in their power to keep it that way. This is why one day in September, managing director Jensen and his team just said congratulations and went home
to their families instead of popping champagne bottles. Not because they did not have cause for it, but because they knew that all that mattered was that nothing went wrong. It didn’t. The little Danish company had just sent 800 Thai soldiers and all their material, including military vehicles, food, weapons, ammunition and medicine to a peace keeping mission in Sudan. It is the biggest out posting the Thai military has ever launched and in just ten hectic days, Scan Global Logistics had to get every little detail right – from the labels to put on the boxes with medicine and dangerous fluids to getting enough containers to put all the things in. The company set up a 24 phone-line manned by two people, just to deal with the permissions for the customs alone. “There were some people, who were in dire need of sleep!,” Jimmy Jensen laughs and continues, “But it was a milestone for us. When it was over, we just stood there, relieved and with our hands in the air. We did it.”
It is about flexibility
He says it matter-of-factly rather than surprised. Because in his opinion, Scan Global Logistics sets itself apart from the other players on the market by being extremely flexible and these kind of assignments are exactly what Scan Global Logistics excel in – a tight deadline and no room for mistakes. Worldwide the company has 400 employees in over 20 countries and offers transport through, air, water and land, but each office works individually. Therefore there is close contact with the customers at all stages of the transport – there is even an IT-system where customers can log on and see for themselves exactly how far their goods have gotten on a digitalized map. With the systems up and running, there Jimmy Jensen in the Scan Global Logistics office. When asked if there were perhaps a toy truck, a boat or another prop to be used for the photo, he replied: “No. Do you need a boat? I can make a boat.” And so he did.
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Move is no need for everything to pass through the headquarters in Denmark and that makes processes smoother. “Our systems are not so impenetrable. If there are any questions, then I am the one coming down and dealing with it,” says the director. This is why a lot of NGOs use Scan Global Logistics, who for example was a major – silent – player in getting aid to victims of both the Tsunami in 2004 and cyclone Nargis in Burma in 2008. Jimmy Jensen underscores the value of decisions being made quickly and not having to pend a nod from someone way up the system. Last time that proved valuable was during the political instability in 2010. “Well, the airports were closed. But you can’t just say ‘Well, the airports are closed, there is nothing we can do.’ There is always something you can do. We were already launching Plan B by then“, he says. The goods that should have been transported during the airport shutdown in May were reloaded onto trucks, driven to Malaysia and sent from there: Plan B.
10 billion by 2020
The Thai office has grown fast already and continues to do so. Perhaps because Jimmy Jensen has a very clear idea of where they are going and how to get there. “Our goal now is to be one of the most profitable logistics companies on the routes from Thailand to Scandinavia,” he says. When the company does not send soldiers to Sudan in boats, they send shoes to Scandinavia. Or food. Or other consumer products, which is the main part of their freight. In economic terms, the goal is to increase the turnover to 10 billion Thai baht by 2020. The way to get there is continuing to grow without losing the personal service, Scan Global Logistics can provide today. “Every time we have a job, we have one individual contact person to deal with everything,” he says. That way decisions are made quicker by someone who knows the case and no time is lost with bureaucracy. He wants to keep it that way, because the focus has to be elsewhere: “The goods have to move. And it is our job to move them,” he says.
• International Air & Sea Freight Forwarder
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• Charter
• Customs Broker (Licensed)
• Cargo Insurance & Project Cargo Handling
• Door to Door and One Stop Service
Bangkok Head Office 3195/12 7th floor Vibulthani Tower 1 Rama IV Road Klongton Klongtoey , Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2 684 8100 Fax: +66 2 684 8198-9 Email: info@th.dsv.com Website: www.dsv.com/th Managing Director
- Mr. Stephen Lee Henry
: lawan.sarajoti@th.dsv.com
General Manager Airfreight
- Mr. Kittisak Chokpipatporn
: kittisak.chokpipatporn@th.dsv.com
Seafreight Export Manager
- Ms. Supaluk Srasarika
: supaluk.srasarika@th.dsv.com
Airfreight Export Manager
- Mr. Thanachart Srithiwan
: thanachart.srithiwan@th.dsv.com
Seafreight Import Manager
- Ms. Pornphan Khamentketgarn
: pornphan.khamentketgarn@th.dsv.com
Airfreight Import Manager
- Mr. Pongsakorn Patcharapaisarn : pongsakorn.patcharapaisarn@th.dsv.com
Sales Manager
- Mr. Chakree Chaiwattanakul
: chakree.chaiwattanakul@th.dsv.com
Airport Office Room 117-118, Building 303 Free Zone, Suvarnabhumi Airport 999 Moo 7, Racha Thewa, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540, Thailand Tel: +66 2 134 7520 -26 Fax: +66 2 134 7553-4
Laem Chabang Office 198/21 Moo 9 Tungsukhla, Sriracha, Chonburi 20230 Thailand Tel: +66 3 840 1684-7 Fax: +66 3 840 1681 Laem Chabang Branch Manager
- Mr. Kan Chittaputta (kan.chittaputta@th.dsv.com)
… One of the leading suppliers of worldwide transport and logistics solutions …
24/7 Assistance
On assignment with the Thai military, sending 800 Thai soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Sudan.
: steve.henry@th.dsv.com
General Manager Seafreight - Mrs. Lawan Sarajoti
DSV Sees Bright Future
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usiness owners, who rely on importing or exporting products, to or from another country, may not be fully aware of the various options, what are the numerous rules and regulations and finally what difficulties they may encounter once having ordered or sold their products. This is where logistic provider’s play an important part in delivering goods, in a smooth and timely fashion, and in turn allowing the business owner to do what they do best. The Danish company, DSV A/S has its own DSV offices in more than 60 countries all over the world. This, together with their partners and agents, are able to offer their services in more than 110 countries, making DSV a truly global player. The company provides logistics services - such as Air freight, Ocean freight, Road Transport Project shipping, Warehousing and Customs clearance services. This makes DSV a convenient partner for customers looking for one-stopservice, as they are capable to deliver goods all the way from the customers’ factory to their client’s door. Globally, DSV A/S is now recognized as one of the worlds leading logistics providers and takes this as a sign of high
satisfaction level among its clients who have put their trust in DSV services for many years. In Thailand , Mr. Steve Henry, the Managing Director of DSV Air & Sea Ltd, explains how DSV managed to survive the global crisis experienced by all companies in 2009, and how they moved forward into 2010. “We have been very determined to maintain all the business that we currently handle,” Steve Henry says. “Competition in 2010 was the toughest I have seen, therefore in order not to lose any customers, the company worked hard to ensure that we delivered at least what we promised – and preferably more. With the global economy improving in 2010 and the Thailand economy improving into the second half of 2010, the company extended its sales efforts to gain and add new business, so that growth was still achieved.” “For our longer term future development, DSV Thailand has over the past two years been an active participant and contributor in Thailand’s future “Wind Energy” projects initiated by the Royal Thai Government and various local and international companies. Such projects are increasingly being considered for development, and DSV Thailand has at every opportunity shown a commitment
to be involved in the logistical aspect of such projects.
Challenging logistic task
The logistical challenges associated with moving various components of the wind turbines from the arrival port via the busy Thai roads and highways are in many cases indeed breaking new ground. The travelling distances to the final delivery sites are in many cases in excess of 300 km and then consider that some of the components such as the “Turbine Fan Blades” are longer than 50m in length. “It makes the transport leg challenging, indeed,” Steve Henry jokes. DSV Thailand has invested resources during the past two years, undertaking detailed road surveys, to identify and locate obstacles, and in turn found the best solutions to avoid such obstacles and in the end pass along the best routes possible. Over coming obstacles is one thing, then comes the challenge to calculate accurate transit times, to enable constructors to establish a delivery schedule, that allows them to meet their construction timetable in line with the project completion dates. Along the way many stake holders views and requirements have to be taken into consideration, so that in the end, a realistic and workable delivery plan is agreed by all parties. This is the DSV aim, to supply information that is achievable and workable and in the end to stand by the constructor to meet the project schedule. It is a team effort. Various producers of Wind Turbines, which will be used on the wind energy farms are anticipating the equipment to begin arriving into Thailand in 2011. Some wind farms are expected to have in excess of 70 individual turbines fans on their site, and as such, given the size and amount of components per turbine, many months will be required to deliver all the components such as main upright towers, nacelles and
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for Thailand
DSV Thailand has over the past two years been an active participant in Thailand’s future “Wind Energy” projects. fan blades, to mention a few. Many sites still have limited or unsuitable final road access, so in these cases, the first challenge is to build the “road access’ to the final lay down areas, allowing the both heavy & long transport equipment to enter. In the end DSV Thailand hopes to be a major contributor to the success of the wind energy sector, which in turn brings us a “Greener Thailand”, and benefits us all.
More focus on Thailand market next year “Although the economy in the U.S. and Europe has dropped, the markets in Asia have in
contrast started to grow. DSV operates at the moment offices in 11 Asian countries, hence we are extremely well-established in Asia, with a strong DSV presence,” Steve Henry says. He also added, that we have with good success seen that with country specific trade lane focus, such as major European countries and USA, have paid off. This is now being expanded into focus and product development on the fast growing Intra Asia markets.
Air Freight Moving Up Growing air freight volumes will lead to a need for close to 3,000 new freighter aircraft over the next 20 years, predicts the two leading aircraft manufacturers. By Søren Lykke Bülow
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ir freight as mode of transportation will grow significantly within the next 20 years, according to a forecast by two of the industry’s major players, Airbus Industries and Boeing. The ”Global Market Forecast from 2010-2029” from Airbus Industrie predicts that almost 3,000 new aircraft for air freight will be needed within the next 20 years. Boeing’s estimate is slightly less - around 2,500 freighter deliveries over the next 20 years - and according to Boeing about 1,750 of these aircraft will be conversions from passenger airplanes. While the two aircraft giants do not estimate the exact same numbers, both project a significant increase in air freight as mode of transportation. Growing world trade, stringent inventory control standards, increasing demand for transport of perishable and time-sensitive commodities are the dynamics behind the growing demand. Passenger airlines are also increasingly focusing their attention on opportunities for cargo revenue. On average, cargo revenue represents 15%
of total traffic revenue, with some airlines earning well over half their revenue from this source, Boeing says.
Growing volumes
The Boeing study says air cargo traffic has clearly been on the rebound during 2010. Led by strong recovery in Asian exports, monthly world air cargo traffic growth turned positive in November 2009 after 18 straight months of decline. According to Airbus Industries, shipments to, from and within Asia – and especially China and Inda – will be the main drivers of the growth in global air freight volumes. And African business looks to develop firmly too, it adds. Currently, international air freight (as compared to domestic air freight) represents 84 percent of the world's air freight traffic kilos. This will change to around 86 percent in 2029. The big difference, though, will be that the total number of kilo's will rise from currently less than 200 billion to around 500 billion air freight traffic kilos a year by the end of the Airbus Industries forecast period. The Boeing forecast predicts optimitically that air cargo traffic
is likely to return to its 2007 peak by the end of 2011.
Industry frustration
Another air freight trend study is less optimistic. OAG, an advisor and information provider to among others the cargo industry, complains in an outlook report for the industry that the recovery of the cargo market takes place at what it calls “pedestrian speed”. Marty Graham, the author of this OAG analysis, says it may well be 2013 before global airfreight volumes return to 2007 freight tonne-kilometers (FTKs) volume levels. The exception is the IntraAsian airfreight outlook. Here the OAG study forecasts a 6,2 percent annual growth over the next ten years. The key factors in this growth is the expansion of the Chinese people’s consumption capabilities coupled by growing intra-Asia trade with China.
The dilemma
What slows down recovery is the need for air cargo customers to stay profitable in the face of rising costs. That may force some to change from air to ocean. “Shippers are more willing to accept slower transit to gain the cost advantage maritime or ground shipping offers over air cargo,” explains Graham. “Thus air cargo operators must overcome not only a slowdown in global shipment volumes, but also a modal shift caused by shippers looking for ways to reduce logistics costs,” he adds.
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Asian Tigers Mobility
Last year, Erik Dahlstrom and Asian Tigers assisted around 2,500 families moving either in or out of Thailand. In the first half of the year, outbound moves dominated, but in the second half of 2010, inbound moves started to pick up again, indicating a new confidence in Thailand’s economic stability. By Gregers Moller
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oving a household is very different from other logistic tasks. Although a container full of household items will eventually use basic transport services when traveling from country A to country B, it has otherwise very little resemblance with logistics involving manufactured goods. “A fundamental difference is that we have to pack the ‘goods’ ourselves before the shipment can go anywhere,” says Mr. Erik Dahlstrom,
Regional Accounts Manager at Asian Tigers. “In the moving business, it is also not done by delivering the container to its destination - we also have to unpack and place the items into each room of the customers new home.”
Outbound move
The logistics task of moving a household starts long before the actual packing of the furniture. Asian Tigers will start by educating the client in what it takes to move a home. “First of all, we will arrange
Expert to do a pre-move survey at the clients home, to personally meet the client and discuss any individual requirements and needs,” Erik Dahlstrom explains. During the survey our representative will survey what is to move and help prepare the client plan for the up coming household relocation. Details like insurance, what kind of packing materials are used and a comprehensive Move Checklist and planner will be discussed. “The Move Consultant will provide the preliminary information about destination customs requirements, insurance, packing techniques, timing and so on.” Based on this survey, a detailed budget proposal will be presented to the client, including: • The estimated volume or weight of the shipment • The total estimated price for the move • Packing dates, or days required to complete the job • Unit price (price per 100 lbs. net, kilogram, or cubic meter) • Insurance premium, if applicable • What is included and excluded • Extra charges for special services • The delivery partner to be used at destination.
The big packing days
The packing day – or days - are a crucial phase in any household move. “During this important time, our expert staff will meticulously ensure that each household item is individually wrapped in the correct type of packing material to properly cushion and protect it during the journey. It is also a hallmark of the professional moving company that we carefully mark with labels which items that go into storage, which items that will be moved by air or sea, or will stay in the house,” Erik Dahlstrom explains. Sometimes, keeping all or part of the household in storage here in Thailand or at the destination is also part of the operation.
Shipment scheduling & tracking
Considering all these pre-move tasks, you could almost forget that a timely delivery depends on the proper booking of transportation of the actual shipment of the goods by air or sea shipment to the destination port of entry nearest to the new residence. The client is advised of the contact details for Asian Tigers delivery partner in the destination country, and the estimated arrival date for the shipment. The client is able to track the progress of their move on line through Asian Tigers shipment tracking system.
unpack cartons & set up the furniture, and remove the waste debris. Handyman services are available for ‘finishing touch’ services, such as picture and mirror hanging. “The move is complete when the clients advise us that all has been received in good order, and the family is happily settled into the new home - that’s our aim.” says Erik. “Hopefully one day we will have the pleasure of moving the household back to Thailand again. That kind of repeat customer happens quite often here in Thailand and is for me personally a very satisfying part of doing my job well!” Asian Tigers Mobility services are available for Corporate accounts across the Asian region. Full relocation, immigration, and orientation services can be tailored for clients and which can all help ensure a successful relocation for employees. Mr. Erik Dahlstrom can be contacted at erik. dahlstrom@asiantigers-thailand. com.
Delivery at destination
Asian Tiger offices or partners at destination deliver the shipment,
Insurance
“Insurance should be considered very seriously,” notes Erik Dahlstrom. “We do everything within our power to minimize the obvious risks involved with an international household move but when that is done, our “All-Risk” Moving insurance policy will provide the extra little piece of mind,” he adds.
January 2011
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KVIK Kitchens Opens in Thailand W The opening of the two stores in Bangkok and Hua Hin is meant to serve as a foundation for further expansion in overseas markets. Kvik opened in Hua Hin 11 January while the Bangkok store opened on 14 January. By Thomas Lykke Pedersen
hen Kvik A/S in January this year opened two shops in Thailand, it was the first time ever that a Danish kitchen firm opens retail sales in Thailand. Kvik has currently 118 stores in Scandinavia, Benelux and Spain, but it is the first time that the group moves into an overseas market. “We focus on local markets, but we also know that we have to look outside Europe if we are to continue the growth that Kvik has experienced over the last years. We see Thailand as the
door to the East, and with the Kvik concept, we feel on safe ground – both due to the many foreigners living here and also because Thailand has a large middle class with considerable purchasing power,” says Kvik Executive Director, Carsten B. Andersen, who states that it is the ‘project sales’, that Kvik will focus on in particular. “Thailand is, like several other countries in the East, experiencing a boom in constructions - especially with many new apartments and condominiums shooting up everywhere. Many of which are built for and purchased by
Executive Director, Carsten B. Andersen (right), flanked by Chalermkiat Suwanprinya, the new franchisee in Bangkok, sees the Thai stores as a stepping-stone for further expansion in overseas markets.
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Produced Globally Assembled Locally foreigners. Thus, it is obviously a very interesting market for us, because here clearly lies a very large customer potential,” says the Director, indicating the success criterion for the first year is 100 sold kitchens.
Universal concept
Kvik will enter the market in Thailand without tampering noticeably with the concept, which is deployed on all other markets. “We do not go into the market with inflated prices to signal high-end. We will be at the same level as the local providers and instead turn on parameters such as fast delivery and beautiful Danish design, which in Thailand has a very high status,”explains Carsten B. Andersen and continues. “I see it as one of our biggest strength that we in a relatively simple way are able to ‘translate’ the concept to other markets without having to use many resources making significant changes in assortment, pricing structure or the brand. With the success we expect in Thailand, we can prepare for further expansion in the East and potentially in other overseas markets as well,” he says, adding that the group is already looking at a range of new markets.
Happy franchisees
While the franchisee in the 800 m2 Kvik shop in Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most renowned interior designers, it is a Dane who will run the Hua Hin store. Ole Frendesen is already the owner of a Kvik store in Odense and will double up with the new store in the Thai holiday paradise. And both franchise owners are very exited. Kvik opened in Hua Hin 11 January while the Bangkok store opened on 14 January.
When customers buy a Danish designed kitchen in one of the Kvik stores in Bangkok or Hua Hin to, the elements will have traveled a long way before being installed in their home. Here, International Market Development Director in Kvik A/S, Holger Hansen, gives Danish-Thai Trade News the walk-through on the logistics.
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ll the main kitchen elements such as the cabinets are manufactured in Denmark. The fronts are bought and produced in Italy and Germany. Hinges are also bought in Germany. The different kitchen parts from Europe are collected in Denmark before being packed as flat-packs and loaded onto trucks. The trucks then transport the packs to Antwerp in Belgium. From here they are taken by sea freight to Thailand. Things like domestic appliances, bathroom mixer taps and kitchen
“accessories” are bought locally in Thailand. Also, if there is a very specific customer wish such as a table top in granite or something else that is not a part of Kvik’s assortment, we will get it done locally as well, Holger Hansen explains. I won’t leave out the possibility that in the future we can find a way to buy more of the kitchen elements locally in Thailand. But for now, the only place we know we get the design and quality we want is in Denmark.
When entering a Kvik store in Thailand as well as any country, there are three different buying scenarios: 1) You buy the kitchen unassembled and take it home on your trailer. 2) You buy the components assembled and install the kitchen in your home yourself. 3) You buy the kitchen which is then brought to your home where it is assembled and installed
January 2011
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Carlsberg Returns by I In October 2010, Carlsberg reentered the market in Thailand with distribution to a little less than 100 bars and restaurants making Carlsberg’s Asia strategy more complete. By Thomas Lykke Pedersen
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n 2004 the Danish brewery had a spectacular enmity with one of Thailand's richest men, the 'whisky king' Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, resulting in Carlsberg leaving the country. After more than six years of absence, Carlsberg is now back in Thailand and the relaunch is going gently with the sale of beer to preliminary about 100 selected bars in Bangkok and at the famous tourist places such as Phuket and Pattaya.
Beer logistics
Thailand is a market of 18 million HL (1,800 million litres), of which two million HL is in the
so-called super-premium segment (branded beers) where Carlsberg is located. And Thailand is therefore one of Asia's best markets for the more expensive beer brands. The world wide known Danish product is brewed in Carlsberg's Malaysian facilities before sea freight ships the beer into the port of Bangkok by 20 feet containers. From here it is further distributed on trucks to the different outlets around Thailand. When emptied, the kegs go back the same way they came and are refilled in Malaysia. Carlsberg has breweries in both Vietnam and Malaysia and
the opportunity to once again access the Thai market opened up when the countries in Asean Association agreed to eliminate tariff barriers between the countries. In Thailand the distributor of Carlsberg is Fluid Asia Pacific, which already sells the '1664' beer from Kronenbourg which Carlsberg also owns. French Kronenbourg was part of the big acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle back in 2008. Carlsberg can with justification claim to be the best founded Pan-Asian brewery group with strong presence in China, Cambodia, Vietnam,
Ship and Truck Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and now also Thailand.
One big competitor
On Facebook more than 500 people joined the “Bring back Carlsberg to Thailand� group, a number that increased as rumours picked up pace in the month before the relaunch. Of course the rumours of Carlsberg's return also spread to the competitors and both Beer Chang, which is owned by Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, and Heineken completed major campaigns to prepare for the coming battle. The Beer Chang campaign made mostly, perhaps, as a statement as the low priced beer is not a direct competitor to the Danish beer. Heineken on the other hand has not really had any competitors since Carlsberg left the Thai market in 2004, thus this is where the battle will be. As of now, the Dutch brand sits on 90 percent of sales in the
super-premium segment category in Thailand.
Carlsberg's Thai history
In 2000 Carlsberg established a joint venture with Chang Beverages (Thai Beverages) under the name of Carlsberg
Asia. The owner of Chang, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, is one of Thailands richest men and has close ties to both the Thai Royal Family and Prime Minister. According to Forbes, Khun Charoen is number 342 on the list of the world's richest people
with an estimated fortune at 2.9 billion U.S. dollars (about 15 billion Danish Kroner). Back in 2000 Charoen's vast distribution power was supposed to be used to sell both Chang and Carlsberg in Thailand. But fairly quickly, Carlsberg felt that they paid more than half of the bill, but only Chang scored the profit. Carlsberg felt Charoen utilized the joint company for the promotion of Chang and only Chang. The partnership, and as a consequence Carlsberg's presence in Thailand, ended in 2003 when Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi was thrown off the Board of Carlsberg Asia. The year after, Carlsberg realized that selling their beer in Thailand became more and more impossible as they were constantly opposed resulting in a complete withdrawal from the market.
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Dancham Christmas By Gregers Moller
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anish-Thai Chamber of Commerce’ Christmas Lunch took this year place in the garden of The British Club on Friday November 26 with participation if more than 200 members and guests - again more than ever before. The event was sponsored by Jyske Bank (Schweiz) AG & Pandora and featured the Danish chef Henrik Boserup who had helped Stable Lodge prepare a large buffet with traditonal Danish “julemad”. A lucky draw sold out quickly. The main prize was a return flight ticket to Europe sponsored by SAS. Other top class prizes were Jewelry by Pandora, Gift vouchers from Ecco Shoes, Stelton product by Scanproducts, Gift voucher for two for Lake House Adventure by Visit Beyond, Dinnerware by Royal Copenhagen and Gift vouchers from Genesis Skin Klinik at Dusit Thani. Along with the delicious food, attendees were served snaps and free flow of beer and soft drinks throughout the event to the tunes of the jazzband “The Best”.
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Lunch 2010 2
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Some of the many photos from the nice afternoon: 1. Father and son, Alan and Preedaluck Vadhanasin enjoyed the beer. It should have been the new Carlsberg brew, but nobody was really sure if it actually was. 2. Our culinary host Henrik Boserup made sure the snaps glasses were never empty. 3. Soren Presmann, Vice President and Treasurer of Dancham was happy with the huge number of participants. 4. Tom Sorensen, Grant Thornton, was in good spirit. So was Elizabeth Romhild whose solo exhibnition “As Eye Am” can still be seen at La Lanta Fine Art in Bangkok till February 23. 5. Allan Jensen and Nit were ready to celebrate the good food and enjoy the good company. 6. Bent Laasholdt was the lucky winner of the SAS ticket to Europe, which was one of the most attractive prizes in the lottery. 7. Commercial Counsellor Bo Bjerregaard Rasmussen and his wife headed one of the tables. To the left is Jan Dam Pedersen, Brenntag Ingredients, and Zoltan Kosa, Santa Fe Relocation Services 8. The food came from the kitchen of The Stable Lodge. It did not take long before most of the Christmas specialties were gone. 9. The sponsors of the event fooling around during the photo session. In the middle Pandora’s Per Enevoldsen as the steady figure. To the right, Søren Skov Nielsen of Jyske Bank is also cool. Somehow, Dancham President Peter E. Romhild got lost at the back of the stage.
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What Online Marketing and SEO Can Do for You DanCham met online expert Tom Aikins November 10, 2010 for an informal talk on what online marketing and SEO can do for a company. By Anne Groth Katballe
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om Aikins was the speaker of the popular Breakfast Seminar on Online Marketing and Search Engine Optimization on November 2, 2010. The seminar was a great success, ending with several questions and positive feedback from the attendees. The conversation quickly started to roll. It was obvious that this is Tom Aikins’ area of expertise as he with instant enthusiasm embraced our different questions.
How can SME’s benefit from SEO and online marketing?
Tom Aikins explained that the essence basically is to increase traffic to your website, as online search has become the dominating way of how people shop. When traffic flow to your site increases, your business receives more awareness and will therefore most likely increase as well. Online marketing is a much cheaper way to create 28
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awareness of your business, as it costs very little and you can do most of it yourself. This is therefore very beneficial for SME’s, as it enables them to compete alongside with bigger companies.
Any companies which SEO and online marketing is not so important for?
In general SEO and online marketing can be beneficial for all companies, Tom Aikins stated, but emphasized that there are different ways it will be beneficial, depending on whether you have a company people visit once a week or a company they visit rarer. For companies which people visit regularly, he suggested the use of social media. Here it is of great advantage to constantly advertise and promote through social media such as Facebook, as people come back often and can benefit from these offers. However, social media are not useful for all companies and it therefore has to be determined whether it is worthwhile, or if
the time could be spend on something more profitable.
How to get on the first page of Google? Most people only search through the first couple of pages, so being on top of Google is of high importance. And the way to get there starts by using the right keywords keywords that describes your business, describes exactly what your company does, where it is located etc. These 12-15 keywords create your Title, so it consists of all your company information, in stead of just the name of your company. This increases your website’s ability to appear more often and thus moving towards the first page of Google.
Better with different kinds of content or in large amount of content? For this question Tom Aikins has no doubt, quantitative counts! The more content, the better the website - that is how Google reads it. Content refers
to text, videos, articles, blogs, slideshows etc. He furthermore stressed the importance of constantly optimizing, updating and refreshing your website with new information and more content. Google visits your page every 10-12 days and ranks it after approximately 200 different criterions, he explained, including the age of your page, the amount of content, the traffic and speed, just to mention a few. E.g. videos are a good way to create content on your site and to engage people from the start. Make a video about your company, he suggested. People go to your website to look for information, so this is what you want to give them. You do not advertise on the internet – you make content!
What will Tom Aikins cover in the next seminar? The Nordic Chambers will arrange a follow-up seminar with Tom Aikins on Social Media, February 10, 2011.
New Members Individual :
Corporate : Aerosoft Danmark ApS Byporten 87 2970 Hoersholm Denmark Tel: +45 4250 2911, +66 2653 9816 Fax: +66 2254 5766 Email: info@balikompagniet.dk Website: www.aerosoft.dk, www.balikompagniet.dk Mr. Nils Larsen Managing Director Mr. Robert Kronberg Regional Representative
Kvik A/S Stentoften 1 7480 vildbjerg Denmark Tel: +45 7211 7000 Fax: +45 9626 3101 Email: pje@kvik.dk Website: www.kvik.dk Mr. Poul Valeur Jepsen Purchasing Manager Asia
DanThai Machinery Co., Ltd Laem Chabang Industrial Estate Free Zone 2 213/17 Moo3 Thungsukla, Sriracha Chonburi 20230 Tel: +66 3849 5108 Fax: +66 3849 5110 Email: frank@danthai-machinery.com Website: www.danthai-machinery.com Mr. Frank D Henriksen Managing Director Mr. Karsten Brammer Technical Director
Calendar Coming Events : DanCham Networking in Hua Hin
Jan 1, 2011
Joint Chamber Luncheon “Environmental Law in Thailand and the Map Ta Phut case”
Jan 18, 2011
DanCham Networking Welcome to new Ambassador H.E. Mikael Hemniti Winther
Jan 19, 2011
Nordic Young Professional Night Out
Jan 21, 2011
Nordic Chambers Breakfast Seminar “Value Creation through Smart Future Awareness”
Jan 25, 2011
Nordic Chambers Dinner Talk “Maersk Line - sailing out of a crisis and towards new horizons”
Feb 8, 2011
Nordic Chambers Breakfast Seminar “SEO and Online Marketing follow up seminar with Tom Akins”
Feb 10, 2011
Field Trip to Viking Life-Saving Equipment
Feb 15, 2011
Nordic Chambers Networking sponsored by British Club
Feb 16, 2011
AGM
Mar 3, 2011
Nordic Networking sponsored by Airberlin
Mar 16, 2011
Easter Lunch
Apr 1, 2011
DanCham Networking
Apr 20, 2011
Field Trip to Pandora
May 5, 2011
DanCham Networking
May 18, 2011
DanCham Networking sponsored by Maersk
Jun 15, 2011
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Poul Erik Bundgaard Jensen 18/610 Ratchadaphisek Road Bukhalo, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600 Mobile: +668 3304 5390 Email: pebj@dge.dk
Our world is logistics
Global Solutions – with a Scandinavian touch Scan Global Logistics offers tailor made logistics solutions to fit your unique requirements whether via air, ocean & road in the global market. Our personalized approach ensures flexible and proactive solutions giving your supply chain a head start – every time. With 85 SGL offices on 5 continents your logistics needs are in safe hands from door-to-door, wherever in the world your customers may be.
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17E, 163 The Ocean Insurance Building Surawong Road, Bangrak 10500 Bangkok, Thailand Phone: +66 22382501 ∙ www.scangl.com