MIS is committed to developing position in India
Maxx Intermodal Systems has been active in India for over a decade. Within this period, the company successfully developed its services to Russia and Central Asia.
Raf De Schutter, Managing Director of Maxx Intermodal Systems in Moscow, says the company has come a long way. "In 1999, we were focused on organizing export shipments of coffee and tea from Cochin to Russia. Gradually, we were able to extend our activities and now we are one of the leading service providers to Russia and Central Asia.”
India is a long-term trading partner of Russia and the other countries of the CIS. In 2008, the trade turnover between Russia and India was reportedly estimated at USD 7 billion. By the end of 2010, it should reach USD 10 billion and more ambitious goals have been set to further increase it to USD 15 billion by 2012 and USD 20 billion by 2015.
Today, nearly 40% of India’s export to Russia constitutes of agricultural products, tea, coffee, spices, rubber, pharmaceuticals and machinery. At the same time, the country imports fertilizers, electrical machinery and aircraft equipment from Russia.
“We are mainly involved in the import shipments of pharmaceuticals to Russia,” says Mr De Schutter. “Most of this cargo is shipped via the ports of Kotka and St. Petersburg and then further delivered by road to the main inland destinations. A smaller volume is routed via Iran and shipped to the port of Astrakhan.”
Kazakhstan is the largest trading partner of India among the Central Asian republics. It accounts for approximately 70% of the total trade between India and Central Asia.
“Our volume from India to Central Asia is quite substantial,” says Mr De Schutter. “Especially to Kazakhstan we have achieved a leading position. Together with our local agent, we are controlling nearly 80% of the tea shipments to the country.”
Mr De Schutter concludes that the company's association with the country is strong. "India is one of the most important emerging markets and we need to be present in this part of the world. Despite the financial crisis, the turnover between India and Russia increased and we expect it to further grow in the coming years."
Maxx Intermodal Systems is an established and well-known freight forwarding company. As part of the Rhenus Group, it employs more than 100 people in different parts of Europe and Asia. The company combines all modes of transport (road, rail and sea) and is committed to offering optimal logistical solutions.