MANILA - Global logistics firm Deutsche Post DHL announced on Wednesday that it will be investing $25 million in the Philippines in the next two years.

DHL global CEO Dr. Frank Appel, who is in the country as part of a multi-country tour of the various DHL offices in the Asia-Pacific Region, said bulk of the investment will go to DHL Express and its supply chain business.

Appel expressed confidence in investing in the Philippines, despite the recent 20-day Zamboanga siege that affected several businesses in the region and also hampered operations of the international airport.

He said DHL sees great potential and growth in the country in the next few years.

"We are very confident that the Philippines will be a very important market for many customers and I have no doubt that we will see significant growth in the country in the coming years. There is nothing risk-free but we are very confident that customers need the premium services that we provide," Appel said in a press briefing at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay.

"The Philippines needs high quality logistic services and we will provide that," he added.

Country Managing Director Suzie Mitchell said aside from DHL, other multi-national companies have shown interest in expanding in the Philippines, which indicates a positive outlook for the country.

"We tend to work with a lot of multi-national companies, these companies are choosing to invest in the Philippines. They are also choosing to come here. Not only do we believe that there is a lot of growth and potential, but many of our customers also believe the same thing and they are also making investments," she said during the press briefing.

Mitchell also said DHL is planning to build more warehouses in the central and southern Luzon regions.

"We are looking for the needs of the industry, where the industry is growing and expanding, and where we should be best supportive," said Mitchell.

While DHL has yet to determine employment targets, Appel said hiring more people and upgrading their skills are top priorities in the expansion.

Appel added that its partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) shows DHL's commitment to the country.

He noted that the ban on Federal Express (FedEx) from operating in the country has no effect on DHL's business, saying "there is no final decision in the case of FedEx."

FedEx's permit was voided by the Court of Appeals last July.

DHL also said it is increasing its warehouse space by 40%, increasing its staff by 55%, and increase its fleet by 160% in the whole Southeast Asia region in the next 2 years.

By Jon Carlos Rodriguez, ABS-CBNnews.com

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