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

Digitalisation Forum, 2025 FWC Registration and Regional Leadership Updates

FIATA e-flash
20 September 2025

Digitalisation: Enabling a More Inclusive and Efficient Trading System

On Wednesday, 10 September, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative (DSI), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) co-hosted the inaugural Trade Digitalization Forum at the WTO. This closed-door high-level event convened key private-sector actors in trade digitalisation, including corporate enterprise resource planning (ERP) and information technology (IT) infrastructure providers, multilateral development banks, and industry leaders, to accelerate the adoption of cross-border paperless trade standards.

FIATA was represented by its President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin, and its Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, joining other distinguished participants such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General, Mr Ian Saunders. In her opening remarks, WTO Director General, Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasised the transformative potential of digitalisation to reduce costs, improve transparency, and make trade more accessible, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She highlighted the urgent need for interoperability and harmonised standards across the supply chain to unlock these benefits. ICC Chair Philippe Varin reinforced the importance of revitalising the multilateral trading system and called for swift action to achieve interoperability, noting that digitalisation is essential for SMEs to participate fully in global supply chains.

The Forum set ambitious goals for standardising electronic trade documents by 2030, bringing together international organisations, technology providers, and industry leaders in a spirit of collaboration and innovation. FIATA contributed its expertise and commitment to driving positive change in global trade, including the advancement of its digital negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL), now available on over 50 platforms worldwide and used daily by some FIATA Members. FIATA's invitation to participate in this high-level forum as the sole representative of freight forwarders is a clear recognition of its significant contributions to the digitalisation and standardisation of global trade documentation.

Collaboration remains key to making global trade more efficient and accessible, particularly for SMEs connecting their regions to international markets. Meetings such as this demonstrate the shared commitment of all leading actors in the supply chain to shaping a more inclusive and digitally enabled future for global trade. It is time for all FIATA Members to become digital and leverage the solutions and tools developed by FIATA to ensure they are part of this transformative trade journey and can unlock the benefits of digital logistics.

For any questions, please contact [email protected].

2025 FIATA World Congress: Register Now!

FIATA is delighted to invite you to the 2025 FIATA World Congress, which will take place from 6 to 10 October 2025 at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam. This premier annual gathering of the freight forwarding and logistics community will be held under the theme Green & Resilient Logistics.

The programme brings together global leaders and experts for seven high-level panels, including:

  • Young Logistics Professionals Talk Show: The Future of Logistics
  • Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics: Trends and Optimisation Solutions
  • Innovation & Digital Transformation: Catalysts for Green and Sustainable Logistics
  • Agility and Resilience in Supply Chains – Ensuring Continuity Across Sectors
  • Navigating the New Trade Landscape: Challenges amid Global Trade Realignment
  • Next-Generation Economic & Transport Corridors: Regional Connectivity for Global Integration
  • Enhancing Inland Waterway and Rail Transport in Sustainable Supply Chains

View the full programme here.

Confirmed Speakers include:

  • Mr Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA President
  • Ms Lai Viet Anh, Deputy Director General, Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency
  • Ms Zhanar Bagasharova, Head of Business Development & Business Excellence, DTC Global (Digital Trade Corridor)
  • Mr Wei Chen, Deputy Manager of the Overseas Market, Sinotrans Limited
  • Mr Lambert van Dieren, CEO, Westerman Multimodal Logistics
  • Mr Tracy Hackshaw, Senior Digital Economy Strategist, Universal Postal Union (UPU)
  • Mr Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General, Agency of Foreign Trade, MOIT
  • Mr Fedor Kormilitsyn, Economic Affairs Officer, Transport Division, UNESCAP
  • Mr Ahmet Kürşat Baltacı, Cargo Director North East Asia, Turkish Cargo
  • Dr Yap Kwong Weng, CEO, Vietnam SuperPort, YCH Singapore
  • Mr Martin Lee, Regional Sales Manager, WiseTech Global
  • Mr Peter Lim, Vice President, Singapore Logistics Association (SLA)
  • Mr Nachi Mendelow, Senior Business Development Executive, CargoWise
  • Mr Nguyen Ba Hung, Principal Country Economist, Asian Developer Bank
  • Ms Nguyen Da Quyen, Director, CEL and Co-Founder, Supply Chain Vietnam
  • Mr Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Executive Chair (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Management and Operations, VCCI)
  • Mr Francesco Parisi, CEO of Francesco Parisi Group and FIATA Past President
  • Mr Nerijus Poskus, Vice President, Global Ocean Procurement, Flexport
  • Mr Mike Reid, Supply Chain Director, Central Retail Group
  • Prof Dr Bui Thien Thu, Professor of Okayama University (Japan) Former Administrator of Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration
  • Mr Tran Tien Dung, Chair, Sao A D.C Investment Corporation
  • Dr Feng-Ming (Chuck) Tsai, Chair, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
  • Mr David Yokeum, Chair, WCAworld

Join peers from more than 100 territories to explore innovation, strengthen resilience, and create new opportunities for the logistics industry worldwide.

Find out more and register today at: www.fiata2025.vn/eng

Leadership: Building Momentum for Central America’s Logistics Sector

Mr Ángel Sánchez elected as the new COEL President.

FIATA congratulates Mr Ángel Sánchez on his recent appointments to two key leadership positions in the region’s logistics sector. Elected President of the Consejo Empresarial Logístico (COEL) following elections on 27 June 2025, Mr Sánchez officially took office with COEL’s new board in early August. He has also been named Chair Elect of the Central American Federation of Freight Forwarding Agencies (FEDECARGA), and will assume the role from Mr Luis Hernández in November 2025.

COEL, Panama’s leading non-profit organisation representing the logistics sector, advocates for policies that strengthen Panama’s role as a global logistics hub, fosters collaboration across the supply chain, and promotes innovation and professional development. FEDECARGA unites the national associations of freight forwarding agencies across Central America and provides a unified private-sector voice in regional integration and policy through the Consultative Council for Economic Integration (CCIE).

Mr Sánchez, who also serves as President of Asociación Panameña de Agencias de Carga (APAC) and successfully hosted the FIATA World Congress in 2024, brings extensive leadership experience to these new roles. FIATA wishes him every success as he leads COEL and prepares to take up the chair of FEDECARGA.

Forwarders' Club Budapest Welcomes FIATA Director General

Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General (top) and Marton Lanyi, President of MSZSZ (middle) addressing the participants to the Forwarder's Club Budapest Meeting on 12 September 2025.

FIATA Director General Stéphane Graber was honoured to attend the Forwarder's Club Budapest Meeting on 12 September 2025, held as the official opening of the 2025 peak season. The event brought together leading logistics professionals from the Magyar Szallitmanyozok Szovetsege - Association of Hungarian Forwarders (MSZSZ) for a dynamic and forward-looking exchange.

Discussions addressed the economic pressures on the freight forwarding sector, increasing regulatory challenges, driver shortages, and the path toward more sustainable logistics. Participants also explored strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Hungarian and regional operators in a rapidly evolving European market. 

FIATA's participation reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Members through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration. Engaging directly with Association Members fosters a shared understanding of industry challenges, encourages regional cooperation in developing tailored solutions rooted in global best practices, and raises awareness of FIATA' initiatives to support Members, such as the digitalisation of trade documents, helping them thrive in the digital logistics landscape. 

A sincere thank you goes to Janos Pekar, MSZSZ Secretary General, and Marton Lanyi, MSZSZ President, for inviting FIATA. Recognition also extends to the MSZSZ and its members for their warm welcome, hospitality, and for opening their community to such meaningful and timely exchanges. Definitely, an unforgettable memory!

MSZSZ will organise its next workshop on 8 October 2025, 9:00-14:00 jointly with the Port of Rotterdam on the potential direct rail connection between Rotterdam and Hungary. Participation is free and FIATA Members can confirm their attendance here.

Dr Sárosi György, representing the Hungarian Dangerous Goods Office Ltd (HVESZ) and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General.

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