Emirates Post has entered into a strategic business alliance with DHL to launch International Express. The move is aimed at improving the speed and reach of the postal service.

Abdullah Ibrahim Al Daboos, director-general of Emirates Post, said this was a long-term plan and more innovative products and services could be expected.

The move will enable DHL to expand reach through Emirates Post's extensive UAE network, while giving Emirates Post access to the DHL organisation, which links 120,000 destinations in more than 220 countries.

Initially, the new service will be available at Emirates Post outlets in Karama, Jumeirah, Deira, Sharjah and Ajman. In the second phase, this will be introduced in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and later in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwaim. Emirates Post has also plans to market this service to the corporate sector.

"This medium-priced express product is aimed at expanding our customer base. We are proud to be associated with DHL in this initiative which introduces a convenient and affordable service to the market," said Al Daboos.

The cross-branded Internatio-nal Express, which carries a DHL airway bill, will be sold on the same counters as Emirates Post's proprietary Mumtaz and EMS products by staff trained by DHL.

David Wild, general manager of DHL, UAE, said the new arrangement would not pose any competition to each other, but instead complement each other's performance. He said this was an ideal situation where synergy of cooperation excels.

"International Express is an alternative offering which has the added value of DHL's hallmark values of speedy and reliable deliveries plus the ability to track and trace shipments."

As an incentive to introduce and develop this new service, a preferential pricing structure is being planned.