FPS Logistics Thailand (FPST) – the Thai member of the FPS global forwarding and consolidation network, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leo Global Logistics Ltd – has launched a new logistics operation in neighbouring Myanmar that aims to help the country of 65 million inhabitants build its infrastructure, as the first step towards becoming a major exporter.

Leo Myanmar Logistics Company Limited will open its doors on December 1st, in a partnership between majority shareholder FPST/Leo and Myanmar’s EFR Group of companies - one of the country’s largest transport groups, with interests in liner agency, freight forwarding and logistics. Leo Myanmar Logistics’ first base will be in the capital, Rangoon. The new company will become the FPS member for Myanmar.

FPST/Leo and EFR have a long-standing working relationship, that saw them move eight mid-sized projects and heavylift shipments into Myanmar in 2013.

In the next two years, the new company’s main focus will be major project and heavylift cargoes employed in the development of infrastructure and manufacturing, as well as handling inbound consumer goods. It will provide a complete logistics solution spanning international multi-modal transport, customs formalities, warehousing and inland transport.  In addition, Leo Myanmar will enter the major cross-border trucking trade between Thailand and Myanmar, and aims to become a leader in providing international-standard door-to-door services between the two countries.

Looking further ahead, Leo Myanmar expects to see significant growth in exports by air and ocean, once new industrial developments have begun operations. The company anticipates growing interest in Myanmar from multi-nationals, creating significant demand for international-standard 3PL services. The progressive development of export trade is likely to see a swing from initially-estimated import:export ratios of 85:15, to reach 60:40.

Leo Myanmar’s plans particularly centre on growth in intra-Asian trade (mostly with China, Japan and the Asean countries), and trade between Myanmar and its neighbour Thailand; however, Leo Myanmar’s plans also extend to trade with Europe and the USA, explains FPST/Leo Global Logistics President and CEO Kettivit Sittisoontornwong: “FPST has a vast global network of connections with overseas agents through its FPS membership, and these companies will be eager to support the new venture in Myanmar and so share in the massive opportunities in this exciting new market.

“FPST/Leo is also one of the leading logistics services providers in Thailand, which is one of the biggest trading partners of Myanmar. EFR sees great potential for us to develop business together between Thailand and Myanmar.”

Although a number of Japanese, Singaporean and Korean forwarders have set up businesses in Myanmar, FPST/Leo is thought to be the first Thai organisation to do so.

Famous Pacific Shipping (FPS) Group