Watch Now


CII, Swiss forwarder supply French Polynesia

   Consolidators International (CII) and the Swiss forwarding company Cotrafi-Gondrand Tahiti have signed an exclusive agreement for the Los Angeles-based company to handle air and sea freight from the United States to the islands of French Polynesia.
   Each company will act as an agent for the other in cooperating sales efforts and operations in their respective territories.
   Cotrafi-Gondrand has operated for many years as a trading company in French Polynesia. It has a company-owned and operated facility in Papeete, Tahiti’s capital. CII’s principal business is in the South Pacific with operations in Australia, New Zealand and a number of islands including American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, the Marshalls and the Solomons.
   “French Polynesia including the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora long has been a favorite destination for experienced world travelers. These veteran travelers, many affluent, expect comfort and convenience when visiting the islands,” said CII Chief Executive Officer Julian Keeling, in a statement. “It is our responsibility to ensure their needs are met through consistent, reliable, hassle-free delivery of a wide variety of supplies made via ocean and air.”
   Keeling also noted Tahiti has demonstrated tourist growth aided by weekly cruises around the islands despite a globally soft economic climate.
   “We expect our trading in French Polynesia to be a successful addition to our activities elsewhere in the South Pacific,” he said.

Chris Gillis

Located in the Washington, D.C. area, Chris Gillis primarily reports on regulatory and legislative topics that impact cross-border trade. He joined American Shipper in 1994, shortly after graduating from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., with a degree in international business and economics.