UPS strengthens Asia operations as economies surge

The news comes on the heels of the International Monetary Fund’s recent global economic outlook that anticipates Asia maintaining its robust performance with growth at 6.5 per cent in 2018-2019, as well the strong growth of public and private investments in Thai infrastructure as the economy develops into the innovation-based Thailand 4.0.
“The global economy is now a much bigger playing field and far less hierarchical than in the past,” said Ross McCullough, President, UPS Asia Pacific Region. “Shifting geopolitical forces, free trade agreements and a surge in connectivity through new technologies and physical infrastructure have allowed businesses from practically every market, including those in Asia, to take their products and services to customers anywhere in the world.
“By making investments in our Smart Logistics Network in Asia, we aim to lay the foundation for more Asian businesses to expand their reach internationally, especially to other markets within our region as increased intra-Asia trade offers a buffer against headwinds from global trade and policy uncertainties.”
“Thailand,” added Russell Reed, Managing Director, UPS Thailand, “is currently seeing major public and private investments in infrastructure as the country’s economy develops from a manufacturing to a value-based innovation economy, deemed Thailand 4.0. Our latest round of service enhancements in Thailand are geared towards complementing and bolstering these investments, and helping local businesses to make the most of this growth. 
“In particular, we’ve extended pick-up and cut-off times by up to seven hours, giving our customers more time each day to fulfil orders, which is vital for businesses in time-sensitive industries like hi-tech and automotive manufacturing. 
“As the government works to propel Thailand forward as a global logistics and innovation hub, UPS will continue to expand our services and offering so that we can serve our customers’ diverse logistics needs and support their international growth.”
In the past 12 months, UPS has made a swathe of investments in Asia, including service expansions across thousands of postal codes throughout China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, in addition to forming a new joint venture with China’s market leading express delivery firm, SF Express, to expand its reach across China.
UPS was established in Asia Pacific 30 years ago, and in this time, the company has grown to service more than 40 countries and territories in the region and employ more than 13,000 staff. 
Its Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong hubs today handle 36,000 shipments per hour, delivered by 192 dedicated intra-Asia weekly flights that connect manufacturers, buyers and sellers along Asia’s supply chains.