TNT expands its Economy Express service to/from Malta

Singapore, 17 March 2009 – TNT expands the coverage of its Economy Express service to and from Malta to an additional 77 countries worldwide. The expansion, effective as of this week, builds on TNT’s successful introduction in 2008 of the market’s first integrated road-ferry service between Malta and other European Union countries.

TNT now offers a new cost-effective service alternative for parcels and freight shipments up to 1,000 kg (palletized) between the rest of the world and Malta. The service offers: on demand booking, delivery on a specified date within 2-5 working days, door-to-door transport, customs clearance and track and trace.

The service expansion will benefit, amongst others, Asian exporters who serve the Maltese industry as well as Maltese importers of electronic, eco-friendly and household goods. It fits with TNT’s strategy to strengthen its number one position in Europe and increase the connectivity with selected emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia.

In June 2008, TNT introduced the market’s first integrated road/ferry connection between Malta and EU countries. The service is part of TNT’s industry leading Express Road Network, which reaches over 40 countries in Europe and Northern Africa, connecting them to the rest of the world through TNT’s global air network.

“The Economy Express volumes transported between Malta and its EU partners have exceeded our expectations. With the experience in place, we are extending this cost-efficient delivery service to other continents,” says Jan Willem Breen, Director Marketing and Sales at TNT’s Express division.

The European Commission, in its ‘interim forecast’ published in January 2009, estimated Malta’s GDP growth at 2.1% in 2008. Despite the economic downturn, the EC expects Malta to achieve a positive 0.7% GDP growth in 2009, well above the EU and euro zone average. Malta has a strong manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles. The EU countries as a group are Malta’s main trade partners. China and Singapore, too, are important source countries of imports. Malta’s central Mediterranean location makes it a hub for freight shipment and a facilitator for trade between Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.