Viewing Shanghai as a strategic cornerstone of its global network, MSC Air Cargo is well positioned to serve its strategy of growing alongside the Chinese market following the establishment of a cargo station in Shanghai and the rapid expansion of its operations in China, said a top executive of the company.

"If you look at the global trade lanes and trade corridors, China is very much a core component in the globe. So we selected Shanghai as one of the strongest additional markets to support any growth of products for MSC Air Cargo," said Jannie Davel, CEO of MSC Air Cargo, the air cargo division of Geneva-headquartered MSC Group, during an exclusive interview with China Daily.

"We strongly believe that Shanghai has the capability to continue to be one of the strongest places," said Davel on his visit to Shanghai in late April. The company launched the Shanghai station last month.

Regarding Shanghai's ambition to become a global shipping center, Davel said he sees immense opportunities, given Shanghai's status as one of the world's largest trading ports.

"Shanghai and Hong Kong are two of our biggest gateways. (The launch of) the Shanghai station is very much part of our China gateway strategy in terms of growing with China," Davel said.

Globally, MSC Air Cargo has five major gateways, which are Hong Kong, Shanghai, Malpensa of Italy, Liege in Belgium and Mexico City.