The Asian express industry has experienced substantial growth in the past two decades led in the Asian region by a surging Chinese economy. Deregulation in Asia is rapidly changing the express market, with major players continuing to expandtheir presence across the region.

With the Chinese economy continuing to grow leaps and bounds, express players have been rushing to establish their network across thecountry and recent opening up throughout the Indo-China region has sparked a race to buildoverland transportation networks linking to the mainair hubs of the region. All of the major integratorshave established or are in the process of buildingnew hubs on the Chinese mainland. India too hasseen rapid development of an express market,although ground infrastructure continues to bea challenge.

But despite the high growth rates for the express business across Asia, the global economic downturn has put a major dent in their business, although some sectors like pharmaceuticals appear resilient to the downturn. The crisis has also not stopped intensive investment by the key players in facilities across the region. The Asian Express Supplement will explore the recent developments in the region’s express markets, how the key players are performing and the challenges that lie ahead. For advertising in the October supplement, please contact Alvin Lim of Reed Business Information at email: alvin.lim@rbi-asia. com or call him at +65 6780 4521 (GMT +8). For editorial coverage please contact Donald Urquhart at email: [email protected] or call him at +65 6780 4396 (GMT +8).