DHL, the provider of express and logistics services, has re-introduced the Import Express (Impex) service in the Middle East, the Brussels-based company announced.

Under the Impex service, DHL has full responsibility for handling the overall importing process at a pre-determined rate, the company explained.

“Our inclusive vision was to enhance DHL’s image as a leader in the international express and logistics industry while at the same time accentuating our commitment and support to the regional arena of trade and commerce,” explained Phil Couchman, DHL Middle East director.

“The launch of Import Express has fulfilled that vision, bringing with it great success not only in the expansion of the overall business but also, most importantly, in the loyalty portrayed by our regional clients who continue to perceive DHL as a reliable service provider.

“On the business level, Import Express’s international network has greatly benefited the Bahraini market by enabling companies to import goods at a faster pace from a wider range of countries around the world, thus reducing their costs and improving their customer service, all of which combined granted them a competitive edge,” a DHL spokesman said.

“Importing via DHL’s air express service is simple, cost-effective and highly reliable. This inbound service has become a convenient door-to-door, all-inclusive priced facility and has been embraced by the importers of the Middle East region who have felt the rewards resulting from the use of Import Express,” said Al Sarrafzadeh, DHL commercial director, Middle East.

In other DHL news, the company took delivery of a new fleet of 200 vans from Ford and Toyota to serve its customers in Saudi Arabia.

Also recently, the company held two seminars in the UAE, one of which was focused on Iraq. DHL was among the first express and logistics companies to operate in Iraq following the lifting of sanctions. By September 15 it had three weekly flights operating between Bahrain and Baghdad. The other seminar was entitled “Customer Contact World Middle East.” David Wild, general manager of DHL, UAE, presented delegates with a case study on customer relationships and brand building, which demonstrated the correlation between customer relationship management, branding and customer loyalty.