CargoGulf has announced its first new office opening of 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand, which will operate under a value partner scheme with its long-standing agent, GAC.

The Bangkok office is headed by CargoGulf Manager, Vanchai Polchai, who will work to develop new business, develop trade lanes and manage import/export consolidation services locally and globally. Having previously worked for CargoGulf in Thailand as Sales Executive, Vanchai brings a solid background in Asian trade lanes to his new role, coupled with extensive knowledge of the Thai NVOCC market.

'I look forward to further developing CargoGulf's consolidation business on all trade lanes and strengthening our relationships with new and existing clients,' he says.

According to CargoGulf Global Managing Director Hans-Henrik Nielsen, as a long-standing partner, GAC Thailand was a natural choice for the new venture.

'The move to expand into Thailand is in line with the company's strategy to strengthen our presence in Asia and to be known as a 'truly'global' NVOCC carrier. As part of a strong neutral agency network, we will also tap'on'our global purchasing power for more competitive rates that will benefit'our customers,' he says. 'Promising growth has already been seen with many Thai forwarders contacting us to book cargo, a direct result from our weekly CargoGulf e-bulletin.'

GAC Thailand's Managing Director Johan Vermeiren adds: 'This new agreement demonstrates a clear commitment to the Thai market from both CargoGulf and GAC. We will look to taking advantage of CargoGulf's fast transit times, guaranteed space, long-term rate validities and agreements with leading shipping liners to provide freight forwards competitively transport solutions.'