Blue Dart To Explore Sri Lankan Mart

News Clip : The Financial Express , Mumbai.

1st September, 2004.

Blue Dart Express Ltd has entered into a regional alliance agreeent with the Hayleys group of Sri Lanka to expand its footprint into the island country. The alliance will focus on enabling the Blue Dart brand experience to service the widest geographical reach between the two countries, a Blue Dart release said.

Commenting on the alliance, Blue Dart Express senior vice-president (marketing & projects) Tulsi Mirchandaney said, "We have built the best integrated delivery system in India, and we now plan to put in place the kind of delivery capability for this region that no one else in the region can offer."

She however declined to comment on the potential business revenues that will accrue from this alliance. She was also silent on whether any of the four freight aircrafts of Blue Dart will fly to the island country, in light of the free skies policy.

Hayleys group will do the investment at its end in Sri Lanka while Blue Dart will provide, training, technology and software. Hayleys group of companies director Mohan Pandithage said, "With Sri Lanka poised to be a major hub for logistics and distribution in the SAARC region, efficient distribution will play an important role in facilitating trade."

Hayleys is one of the largest blue chip conglomerates spanning transportation, logistics, coir, rubber, environment, agriculture, plantations, inland marketing, knitted fabrics, tourism, financial services, information technology and infrastructure

Blue Dart has a market share of 39 per cent by delivering consignment to over 13,700 locations in India and 800 locations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.