Foreign companies in South Korea may find themselves facing a variety of problems: difficulty operating at a local level, adapting to a new culture, navigating an entirely different business landscape. Integrated logistics provider Agility is the right local partner that can address these needs. "We are essentially a Korean company," says Stephen Whittingham, CEO for Agility North Asia. The company's staff and board of directors in South Korea is composed of Korean nationals. "Aside from providing a full suite of logistics services, Agility has the ability to bridge the gap between international needs and local execution." Agility provides sea, air, customs and warehousing logistics services, fair and event logistics solutions, and specialised project logistics. Considered one of the top logistics companies, Agility has 500 offices and 22,000 employees operating in 100 countries. Whittingham oversees more than 400 staff across north Asia, which comprises South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. "Project logistics needs a strong foundation of relationships," Whittingham says. "It's more about solutions provision, real technical know-how and adding value through the expertise embedded within the Agility global network. That is where Agility's value lies." Agility provided the logistical support for the Yeosu Expo 2012 in South Korea held from May to August, a major event that consisted of a 250,000-square metre exhibition area for 104 participating countries. Having worked on large engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects globally with companies such as Hyundai, Samsung and POSCO, Agility is aiming to grow its collaboration with other Korean EPC contractors within emerging markets such as the Middle East and South America. "It is important for us to participate in this business," Whittingham says. "Sixty per cent of our EPC projects came from the United Arab Emirates in the past three to four years. We have a strong team there and a high degree of project logistics experience." Agility will continue making strategic alliances with logistics companies to provide the best solutions for its transnational clients. Agility www.agilitylogistics.com
