Federal Express(FedEx), the world's largest express transportation company, recently established its first joint venture Federal Express-DTW Co. in China, with the Tianjin-based Datian W. Air Service Corporation.

"The new joint venture brings together two powerhouses in the express transportation industry. We are confident that Federal Express-DTW will prove to be a successful partnership for years to come," said David Cunningham, FedEx Asia Pacific President, at the opening.

According to Cunningham, the demand for international express service in China has greatly increased, thanks to the rapid development of the country's foreign trade. He also predicted that China's aviation express market will double in the next five years.

Eddy Chan, Regional vice president for FedEx China and Mid- Pacific, said:" the joint venture is another step forward in FedEx 's continued investment in China. It further demonstrates our long- term commitment to the express transportation market."

Federal Express-DTW plans to establish branch offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen by the end of year 2000 and open offices in 100 cities across the country by 2005.

According to Chan, over the past month, FedEx has further improved its services in China. He said that the company launched a simplified Chinese web page in China in mid-October.

On November 2, FedEx initiated Shenzhen route flying five times a week connecting southern China to the company's international network in over 200 countries.

Federal Express has also increased its flight schedule to Beijing and Shanghai from four to five times a week. (Xinhua)