DHL and CDI look to Chinese development

DHL has signed a Partnership Agreement with the China Development Institute (CDI), a leading think tank in China, to research and develop innovative logistics solutions nationwide. As a Global Research Partner of the DHL Innovation Initiative, CDI will provide in-depth strategic knowledge and resources for the two parties to jointly deliver solutions in the areas of Urban Logistics, Sustainable Supply Chain, Auto ID Application, Supply Chain Optimisation to administrative and business organisations.

This research initiative is driven by the DHL Solutions & Innovations (DSI), which is responsible for all research projects and innovations in the global Deutsche Post DHL network, together with CDI Center for Logistics and SCM.

“Since both partners share the vision to improve the logistics infrastructure in China, the partnership will open up many opportunities and serve as a catalyst for the development of innovative logistics solutions in China,” said Petra Kiwitt, head of DSI.

The partnership with CDI is a boost to DHL’s research efforts in Asia, particularly in China. Initial projects, such as piloting of new delivery vehicles with innovative route optimisation, feasibility studies and solutions for urban logistics in China’s metropolitan areas or carbon neutral facilities will contribute to strengthen DHL’s service offerings of efficient and sustainable supply chains throughout China and the Asia Pacific Area.

DHL aims to turn the development projects based on cutting edge technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification-enabled solutions and service offerings, intelligent routing and scheduling or cold chain logistics into new business solutions. These solutions will improve operational processes for DHL and its customers, increase efficiency and enhance their competitiveness.

“We are proud to be DHL’s research partner. CDI will sharpen our logistics edge with the partnership in addition to our strategic and economical research as China’s think tank. We are excited about the projects that will result from this partnership. DHL has an impressive track record in its global climate protection program and I am confident that we will jointly develop solutions that contribute to a cleaner environment, and their innovative technology will also offer more chances for China’s key manufacturing sector to gain competitiveness,” said Prof. Fan Gang, president, China Development Institute.