This reinforces Circle's position as one of the largest logistics service companies in the country.

According to Mr. Anthony Hooey, chief operating officer for Circle Asia Pacific, it is important for Circle to establish itself in Tanjung Pelepas.

"The PTP is set to become one of the busiest ports in Malaysia. With a strong presence in Tanjung Pelepas, we can better support our customers who use the facilities there, and at the same time continue into the ever expanding market of southern Malaysia and the larger Intra-Asian transhipment business," Hooey said in a statement.

"Customers now expect prompt and cost-effective logistics services," he said.

Öur clients can look forward to benefiting from the excellent services Circle Malaysia will provide at PTP and the extensive infrastructure of our operations. With a dedicated and skilled team, Ciscle Malaysia assures its customers of the quality and value of its complete range of logistics services,"

The current economic upsurge has brought about an increase in the import and export volumes in the region with a significant growth expected in the Intra-Asian business. The opening of the PTP facilities offers wider options for both shipper and global forwarders in terms of containerised cargoes.

With its strategic location, state-of-the-art technology, paperless transaction and efficient service, PTP is seen as the local port for vendor hub and distribution activities for multinational organisations.

To encourage an influx of foreign direct investment and attract more multinational companies to the PTP, the Federal Government and port authorities have declared the PTP a tax-free region called the free-zone area.

Responding to the opening of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and its tax-free policies, Mr. Brukan Ali, country manager of Circle Malaysia said: " We are looking into opening an office in the PTP as we feel that the free-zone areas will be of significant interest to many of our regional and worldwide customers,"

At the Tanjung Pelepas Port, Circle customers will experience the same support and quality logistics services Circle Malaysia offers to its customers at Pasir Gudang.

In Pasir Gudang, Circle's core business comprises services such as forwarding and groupage, supply chain management and total logistics.

"We are working very closely with PTP personnel to get the updates of the port," he said.

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas was officially opened by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on March 13 2000.

PTP is targeting at the regional transhipment market. It is set to challenge other ports in the region, with operations expected to go into full swing within the next two years.

Circle International Group, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1998. Today, with annual revenues of US$750 million (US$1 = RM3.80), more than 4,600 employees and 323 offices in over 100 countries, Circle provides worldwide transportation and logistics services that include air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, materials management, trade procurement, warehousing and inventory controlled programmes and global supply chain management services.