Deutsche Post World Net will invest more than $250 million within the next four years to develop express and logistics business through DHL in Russia, the company's CEO said in a statement of strategic initiatives.

"Russia is a very successful market for DHL and we see great prospects for the future," said CEO and chairman Dr. Klaus Zumwinkel at a press conference in Moscow on May 24. "Russia is an important part of our global growth strategy. The planned investments demonstrate our confidence in the high potential of the Russian economy and the express delivery and logistics market in particular".

For the first quarter 2006, DHL Russia reported an increase in shipment volumes of more than 30 percent, compared to the same period in 2005. The Express business showed double-digit growth both in domestic and international business. The international road and rail business of DHL Freight doubled, and the domestic business tripled.

DHL has four businesses in Russia: express, freight, forwarding and supply chain. All will participate in the development of infrastructure and facilities, further expansion of the product portfolio, introduction of the latest technologies and training of personnel, said Zumwinkel. As part of the investment program DHL Russia will expand its domestic road network, which includes new purpose built cross docking terminals.