Daily News Egypt sat down for an interview with the chairperson of Khedivial Marine Logistics (KML), Mohamed El Dahshan, the transcript for which is below, lightly edited for clarity:
Are you keen on participating in Breakbulk Europe this year? If so, what do you aim to achieve from participating?
Once again, we are participating with our own stand at this year’s Breakbulk Europe exhibition. It is the most important international gathering of freight forwarding companies, international carriers, and shipping agents. It provides us with a good opportunity to meet the top management and decision-makers of participating companies to network and discuss future projects.
Are you planning any new partnerships and do you intend to purchase new equipment?
We currently have a very ambitious expansion plan which we aim to fulfil. We have several new partnerships with international companies in the forwarding and warehousing distribution logistics business.
How do you perceive the Egyptian market during the upcoming five years? Is it attractive and does it offer opportunities? How does this affect your business and your future plans?
I believe the Egyptian market is moving in a very good direction and there are lots of positive developments. The next five years will feature lots of government-driven investment in infrastructure, power generation, oil and gas, as well as heavy industry. This will definitely have a positive effect on our business. We are planning to invest in future expansion inside Egypt.
What was your turnover for 2017 and what is your expected turnover for 2018?
Our group’s turnover for the year 2017 was approximately EGP 350m. We have been very busy with several power generation and infrastructure projects. Over and above, we have transported a huge number of production lines for the manufacturing industry, cement, steel, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). We expect our turnover to exceed EGP 400m in 2018.
What is the value of your expected investments in 2018 and which sectors do you aim to tackle?
We aim to invest approximately EGP 25m in our warehousing operations where we aim to offer our customers tailor-made state-of-the-art 3PL solutions in accordance with international standards.
How do you perceive the Egyptian government’s economic policies and how will it affect your business?
I can honestly say that the policies of the Egyptian government have had a very positive impact on the economy. We are optimistic with regards to the future and hope that it will help us reach new heights.
Does the Suez Canal Economic Zone development offer an opportunity for you? Do you plan any investments in that area?
The Suez Canal is definitely very interesting for us and I believe that it will offer opportunities for us. We plan to invest there once government plans for thatw area are more concrete.
Did you participate in energy and power generation projects during the past two years and how do you aim to compete for upcoming projects?
We participated in several energy and power generation projects in the last couple of years (Siemens, GETRA, ABB, PSP, Elsewedy amongst others). We have already secured solar and wind energy projects for 2018/2019.
