FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

150th FIATA Review, Geopolitics in Trade, Airfreight & Security Updates

FIATA e-flash
28 March 2025

FIATA Review: The 150th Issue of the FIATA Review is Now Available!

The first issue of the FIATA Review in 2025 is packed with insights to help you lead in an evolving industry. Here’s a preview of some key features in this edition.

Read the full March 2025 FIATA Review here!

Cybersecurity in Logistics:

Explore the importance of building cyber resilience in logistics with insights from the World Economic Forum. Learn about the latest trends in cybersecurity and how to protect your operations from emerging threats.

Cybersecurity in Logistics p. 8-9

Training and Professional Development:

Learn how FIATA’s commitment to professional development is raising standards in logistics education, empowering the next generation of industry professionals. Discover Vietnam’s success story in advancing logistics with FIATA Diploma Programmes.

Training and Professional Development p. 10-11

Practical Aspects of Insuring Freight Forwarders' Risks:

Gain insights into the practical aspects of insuring freight forwarders' risks. Understand the importance of risk management, contractual risk mitigation, and the role of technology in reducing risks and providing greater transparency.

Practical Aspects of Insuring Freight Forwarders' Risks p. 14-15

eFBL Pilot: Bank of China's Digital Leap in Trade Finance:

Find out how the Bank of China successfully processed a digital transaction using FIATA’s digital Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading. Learn about the benefits and opportunities of electronic multimodal transport documents for global trade.

eFBL Pilot p. 16-17

Data Ownership and Trusted Networks:

Understand the significance of data governance and ownership in the maritime supply chain. Discover how these concepts are transforming the industry and improving collaboration among stakeholders.

Data Ownership and Trusted Networks p. 17-19

Implementing the WCO Shenzhen Action Plan on AEO Programmes:

Advancing and improving Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes is crucial for enhancing trade facilitation, ensuring security, and promoting supply chain efficiency. Find out how to leverage AEO programmes and what to consider when applying for AEO certification

Implementing the WCO Shenzhen Action Plan on AEO Programmes p. 20-21

Leveraging Free Trade Agreements:

The Global Trade Helpdesk supports businesses in identifying promising markets using estimated export potential and key market data, aggregating information from more than 15 sources in a detailed yet intuitive manner. Discover how to use this tool to find out key trade requirements, market trends and perspectives for a given territory.

Leveraging Free Trade Agreements p. 22-23

Building a Modern Airfreight Logistics Future:

As logistics grow more complex, collaboration among carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and airports will be key to efficiency and resilience. Capacity constraints at major hubs may push more traffic to regional airports, highlighting freight forwarders’ role in ensuring supply chain fluidity. Explore insights from FIATA and Markus Muecke, Chair of the European Air Cargo Programme Regional Joint Council and FIATA’s representative to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Unit Load Device (ULD) Operational Advisory Board (ULDOAG) on optimising airfreight operations and ULD management. Learn how digitalisation, regulatory harmonisation, and innovative solutions are shaping the industry's future.

Building a Modern Airfreight Logistics Future p. 23-25

Optimising Key Multimodal Transport Corridors:

As global trade faces increasing disruptions, international organisations are playing a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, sustainability, and resilience in freight transport. Discover how strategic infrastructure, digital solutions, and cross-border cooperation are shaping the future of supply chains.

Optimising Key Multimodal Transport Corridors p. 26-27

Addressing Major Issues in Multimodal Transport Corridors:

The Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) is reviewing the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) legal framework to streamline cross-border rail operations and strengthen multimodal transport solutions. Learn how these efforts are enhancing the efficiency and integration of international rail transport within global supply chains.

Addressing Major Issues in Multimodal Transport Corridors p. 28

Sustainability and Decarbonisation:

Navigate the challenges and opportunities in sustainability and decarbonisation within the logistics sector. Explore strategies for greenhouse gas accounting and data management to support your decarbonisation journey.

Sustainability and Decarbonisation p. 29

FIATA Events:

Prepare for key 2025 events including the FIATA HQ Meeting in Geneva, FIATA Regional Field Meetings, and the 2025 FIATA World Congress in Hanoi, Vietnam. Get comprehensive coverage of recent and upcoming FIATA events.

FIATA Events p. 36-39 & 42-44

Industry Facts and Figures:

Discover recent insights from the World Bank Group, the Global Shippers Forum, and other key organisations. Learn about the latest trends and developments in the logistics industry.

Industry Facts and Figures p. 32-35


Member News and Achievements:

Receive updates from FIATA Members worldwide celebrating innovations, successful projects, and regional milestones driving our industry forward.

Member News and Achievements p. 40-41


Engage and Advertise:

Join upcoming events, utilise our digital tools, and promote your brand to a global audience of logistics professionals through advertising in the FIATA Review. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Stay ahead, stay engaged, and continue shaping the future of logistics!

Sustainability: SIPA Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Transport Connectivity in Central Asia

FIATA's Association Member, the Association of National Freight Forwarders of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KFFA), participated in the Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia (SIPA) Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Transport Connectivity in Central Asia, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 11-12 March.

The event addressed key issues such as regional connectivity, infrastructure development, decarbonisation, and sustainable logistics practices.

Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in improving transport links between Europe and Asia was highlighted, with a focus on the country’s involvement in sustainability and decarbonisation research. It was emphasised that attracting investment into low-carbon transport systems is vital for driving progress in the region.

Discussions also underscored the importance of reliable data in logistics decision-making and the need for strategic collaboration among participating countries to achieve common goals. The event’s workshops provided valuable opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas on creating more resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly freight systems in Central Asia.

Press Conference: The Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts on Trade

From left to right: FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber; Erwin Bollinger, Swiss Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA); and Isabelle Falconnier, Director of the Geneva Press Club.

On March 13, 2025, the Geneva Press Club hosted a compelling lunch-talk featuring Mr Erwin Bollinger, Swiss Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General. The event was moderated by Isabelle Falconnier, Director of the Geneva Press Club, and Luisa Ballin, a UN-accredited journalist.

The FIATA Director General and Swiss Ambassador to the WTO and EFTA addressed several pressing issues, including the unpredictability of trade policies, the impact of tariffs imposed by the new US president, and the need for international cooperation to address these challenges.

Dr Graber, provided an overview of FIATA's role in the logistics and transportation sector. He emphasised the importance of multimodal logistics, including maritime, road, rail, and air transport and discussed the impact of geopolitical conflicts on logistics and the need for resilience in the global supply chain. He also highlighted the importance of digitalisation being a key driver for trade facilitation by improving efficiency, reducing the costs of logistics while being more sustainable.

Dr Graber elaborated on the challenges faced by the logistics industry, particularly in light of recent geopolitical conflicts. He explained that FIATA represents a vast network of logistics companies, ranging from large multinational corporations to small family-owned businesses. This diversity allows FIATA to address the unique needs of its Members and advocate for policies that promote a more resilient and efficient global supply chain. Dr Graber also emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders and international organisations for the benefit of all stakeholders, such as the WTO to ensure the effective implementation of trade facilitation measures.

Mr Bollinger, echoed the importance of the WTO in facilitating global trade. He highlighted the organisation's role in reducing tariffs, facilitating the exchange of goods, and protecting intellectual property. Mr Bollinger also addressed the challenges faced by the WTO, including the need for reform and the difficulties in reaching consensus among its 166 members.

Mr Bollinger discussed the current geopolitical landscape and its impact on international trade. He noted that the WTO is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to promote fair and stable global trade. Despite the challenges, Bollinger remains optimistic about the future of the WTO and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of its members. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining open and transparent communication among member countries to address issues such as protectionism and market access.

Access the full press conference here (in french)!

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Safety and Security: FIATA Calls on its Members to share their Feedback on the Upcoming EU ICS2 Technical-Operational Call

What challenges or obstacles are you or your members facing with the implementation of the European Union Import Control System 2 (ICS2) and its Release 2 for air and/or Release 3 for maritime transport?

FIATA invites its delegates to submit questions ahead of the upcoming ICS2 Technical-Operational Call, scheduled on April 3, 2025. FIATA delegates are also invited to join this meeting, where their questions will be addressed.

Please send us your questions to [email protected] by 31 March 2025 to ensure these issues and your questions will addressed during the meeting and to receive the meeting invitation. 

Airfreight: Key Highlights from the 87th IFCC Meeting

The 87th Meeting of the IATA-FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC) took place in Geneva on 21 March 2025, following the annual FIATA HQ Meeting. The meeting was chaired for the first time by Mr Richard Gluck, the newly elected Chair since 2024, and the first ever Chair from the freight forwarding community, reinforcing the important role of freight forwarders in shaping global airfreight policies.

The meeting showcased the positive evolution in the relationship between IATA and FIATA, through the ongoing modernisation of the IATA Cargo Agency Programme and the shared interest in establishing the Global Air Cargo Programme, which aims to recognise the roles and relationships of freight forwarders and airlines today as key commercial partners, and to provide a global framework to work jointly to address industry needs in an evolving environment. Delegates had the opportunity to discuss the proposed way forward for the Working Group which is being established under the auspices of the IFCC to work on the modernisation of the global air cargo framework, including the identification of high-level topics for discussion.

The Global Air Cargo Programme aims to support both airlines and freight forwarders to work jointly together to support the achievement of an efficient and sustainable supply chain. The programme’s mission envisions collaboration among participants to achieve industry excellence across five key pillars: safety and security, operations, environment, digitalisation, and financial standards. These areas will provide the opportunity to accommodate different business models in today’s world to address outstanding needs from a holistic perspective.

FIATA also presented its proposal for the development of a joint submission regarding Cargo Accounts Settlement System (CASS) billing queries. This item focused on the need for clarity and fairness in the process related to CASS, particularly in cases where airlines do not respond to the CASS billing queries from freight forwarders.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Cargo Agency Commissioners, Mr Marco Alvarenga and Mr Paul Cheetham, to present their work, rulings, and their report for 2024. In addition, topics such as IATA ONE Record, ULD handling and other operational developments were discussed.

Following the IFCC Meeting, FIATA Airfreight Institute Chair, Dawit Woubishet, and FIATA Legal Services Director, Andrea Tang, will represent FIATA at the 52nd session of the CAC on 14 April 2025, held on the occasion of the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Dubai, UAE.

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