THE CMA CGM Group, including Oceania specialist ANL has today [17 November] opened a new agency in America Samoa, just a few weeks after setting up in Samoa.
The Group says the new Pago Pago office will create new opportunities for local businesses, under a team led by general manager Timena Tiatia which will be able to be better connected with American Samoa businesses and have the ability to offer more tailored shipping solutions.
Additionally the agency opening will help facilitate other benefits, including faster response times and more direct connections with partners. This will ultimately aid the local economy and the wider Pacific long term, the Group says.
"I am delighted to be returning to where my career first begun 24 years ago in shipping and logistics,” Ms Tiatia said. “We aim to integrate the digital shipping world here in American Samoa and prioritise customer care — two aspects that have the potential to transform how we operate in the local market. Putting customer care at the forefront is essential to ensure that our services are tailored based on the exact customer’s needs.”
ANL and CMA CGM Group say expanding strong local presence is the key to expanding their network across the Pacific region. As well as Samoa and now American Samoa the Group has successfully opened up several additional agencies including Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands and with more planned to come.
Shane Walden, ANL & CMA CGM Group Agencies managin director, said having a dedicated team in Samoa was vital to meeting the specific needs of the local market. “The establishment of this new agency will further strengthen CMA CGM’s competitive edge in the region and enhance our customer service standards. We are committed to supporting growth and innovation in Samoa and the wider Pacific,” he said.
ANL currently calls Pago Pago, American Samoa on a fortnightly basis through the ANZPAC service. The other calls include New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, offering American Samoa businesses a number of key direct trade routes to expand their customer network. The service runs across 21 days with three vessels appointed to carry a variety of cargo.