Yamato plans Singapore 'takkyubin'

Yamato Holdings Co. said Friday it will commence a service similar to its domestic "takkyubin" parcel delivery operation in Singapore in January in light of the city state's good business prospects.

Japan's top parcel transport firm unveiled in August a similar service for Shanghai due to start in January, as it aims to expand its business in other parts of Asia, given the poor growth outlook in the domestic market.

The Singapore business will deliver parcels at times designated by customers and handle chilled and refrigerated goods as well.

The firm also aims to enter the Indonesian and Malaysian markets in the future.