www.rwandan-flyer.com

07/07/2015

Peterson Tumwebaze

The cost of cargo transport and other logistical support services could reduce following the signing of a deal between government and DHL Express to construct a world-class logistics facility at Kigali International Airport.

Under the deal, DHL, a subsidiary company of Deustche Post DHL and one of the leading global logistics firms, will invest €3 million (about Rwf2.5 billion) in the modern logistics facility.

Charles Brewer, the DHL Express managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, said the facility will operate as an airside transit gateway, adding that the company wants to use Rwanda as a hub for its operations in East African region.

Brewer told Business Times that construction of the facility will begin in August and is expected to take nine months.

“Besides the obvious opportunities that this represents, along with the planned investments and subsequent services, it will play a critical role in safeguarding product quality and help boost export trade in the country,” Brewer said.

[…]

Exporters have for long been complaining about lack of good facilities, like cold rooms, at the airport which they say affects the value of horticulture exports.

This challenge and high freight charges have made it hard to export horticulture products or make profits.

Freight fees range from $1.6 to $2.06 per kilogramme for products destined for Europe.

Note that from Kigali, DHL operates weekly service to Uganda and Kenya, using Cessna Caravans

SOURCE : THE NEW TIMES : HERE