With more manufacturing occurring in inland areas of China, international logistics firms are taking notice. Nippon Express Co., said to be Japan’s largest international freight forwarder, has purchased the remaining 5 percent of Nippon Express (China), which was still held by a Chinese partner. Nippon Express has already expanded its network to the inland cities of Zhengzhou and Kunming.
Nippon Express (China), based in Bejing, formed a 50-50 joint venture with a Chinese partner in 1995, with Nippon buying an additional 45 percent stake in 2008.
Nippon Express Co. of Japan was interested in the joint venture after the Chinese economy liberalized in the early 1990s. Nippon Express (China) currently has approximately 1,600 employees and 71 trucks. The company offers air cargo, domestic transport, warehousing and other services.