MANILA, Philippines — Global logistics company DHL announces the opening of a global forwarding facility in Pasay City.

Completed at an investment of more than P40 million ($1 million), DHL Global Forwarding’s new facility spans more than 10,000 sqm and comprises 3,500 sqm of warehouse space equipped with racks, security surveillance and a security cage, an additional 4,000 m2 of fenced container yard space and 2,600 sqm of office space. Already IS0 9001- and ISO 14001-certified DHL Philippines plans to have the facility Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) certified are well underway.

At the opening Amadou Diallo, CEO, Africa and South Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding said: “Freight movements are a timely indicator of both global and local economic trends and our numbers show great promise for the Philippine economy for the rest of the year and moving into 2011. With economic growth in the Philippines hitting 7.9% in the first six months of the year and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) raising The Philippines’ overall 2010 growth outlook to 6.2% in September following the country’s strong recovery, we are reassured of our business prospects here in The Philippines.”

In the Philippines, exports soared by close to 40% in the first half of 2010, while imports increased by 28.5%, reflecting the stronger demand for capital equipment and consumer goods.

Commenting on this growth, Sam Ang, CEO, Southeast Asia, DHL Global Forwarding said: “Foreign investment into Southeast Asia has played and will continue to play a significant role in the growth of the region, especially in The Philippines.

As the new government continues its investment in the Philippines and attracts more foreign direct investment, DHL’s commitment to developing in the country’s infrastructure and transportation sector will definitely help fuel further economic growth. With our new facility businesses especially in the mining, technology, life sciences, consumer goods and oil and energy industries can look forward to quality logistics services of international standards.”

Present in 33 locations across the Philippines with more than 2400 employees, DHL handled close to a million shipments, more than 22,000 tons of air freight and more than 13,000 TEUs of ocean freight through the Philippines in 2009. DHL Global Forwarding’s new facility brings DHL’s total warehouse space in The Philippines to 153,000 sqm.