New VCX Service Takes Advantage of Vietnam's Growing Export Trade

Sep 08, 2004 - It may have been one of the late entrants to the world stage but Vietnam has quickly become one of the fastest-growing economies.

Last year, the country recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 7 per cent - according to figures from the World Bank - which is the second highest growth rate in the world after China.

Garment and textile exports, for example, earned Vietnam US$2.46 billion for the first seven months this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 9.5 per cent. Major markets include the US, European Union and Japan.

APL's new Vietnam China Express (VCX) (PDF File) service is particularly timely as it improves transit times and accessibility from Vietnam to the Americas via Hong Kong, helping customers move their Vietnam-origin products to key markets faster than before.

The service connects with APL's PS2 service for Los Angeles and Oakland cargo; the PS1 for Seattle and Vancouver freight; the Atlantic Pacific Express (APX), the New York Express (NYX) for the US East Coast and Latin America; and the Mexico Asia Express (MAX) for Mexico consignments.

In fact, the VCX offers the industry's fastest times from Vietnam to the US, reaching Seattle in 16 days, Los Angeles in 17 days and the New York Metropolitan Area in 22 days (via mini landbridge). And with a Monday cut-off in Ho Chin Minh City, shipment planning is made all the more easy for customers.

APL's services to North Asia are also enhanced with its four-day transit from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong. With more than 40 years of service in the country, and as the first carrier to resume operations in Vietnam just four days after trade sanctions with the US was lifted in 1994, APL has always had a strong commitment to the country.

Our presence and capabilities in the market means therefore that we are best placed to help customers take advantage of one of the world's fastest-growing economies.