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

FIATA Champions Multimodal Connectivity, Digital Standards and Industry Voice on Global Stage

FIATA e-flash
11 July 2025

Recognition: FIATA Named NGO of the Year at Türkiye’s Economy and Logistics Summit

FIATA is proud to have been recognised for its achievements in logistics as the NGO of the Year at the 10th Ekonomi ve Lojistik Zirvesi (Economy and Logistics Summit) held in Istanbul. This prestigious award, presented by the Turkish logistics community, is a testament to FIATA's growing impact and leadership in the global logistics sector.

This achievement highlights the strength of FIATA’s work in recent years. FIATA expresses its gratitude to its President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin, for his leadership, and to all Members and Partners for their continued dedication and contributions, which have made this recognition possible.

FIATA was pleased to share this honour with its Immediate Past President, Mr Ivan Petrov and Ms Inessa Platanova, Chair of the FIATA Foundation Vocational Training (FFVT) Management Committee, who joined FIATA President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin, and FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, at the event, highlighting the excellence and dynamism of the logistics sector in Türkiye and FIATA's key role in leading the industry globally.

Digital Multimodal Future: FIATA Drives Interoperability and Global Standards

From left to right: Mr Mario Apostolov, Regional Advisor, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); Mr Zakariyya Vakilov, Azerbaijan, Port of Baku; Mr Michael Dill, UN/CEFACT Expert; Ms Inessa Platonova, Vice President of Business Development at PLASKE JSC; and Mr Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA President.

From left to right: Mr Ivan Petrov, FIATA Immediate Past President; Mr Jeppe Skivild, DFDS Vice President and Head of Türkiye Logistics; Mr Turhan Özen, C2L Managing Partner; and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General.

FIATA played a central role at the 10th Economy and Logistics Summit (Ekonomi ve Lojistik Zirvesi) held in Istanbul from 2–3 July 2025, joining key decision-makers and logistics leaders to address global supply chain shifts, digital transformation, and Türkiye’s strategic potential in multimodal transport.

FIATA President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin, opened the event, setting the tone for a forward-looking dialogue on how freight forwarders can help drive resilience and innovation. Moderating the high-level session on global logistics evolution, he raised the need to rethink transport corridors and foster deeper alignment between infrastructure, policy, and digital solutions.

In the closing panel of Day 1, titled “Global Logistics Trends and the Parameters of Future Logistics”, FIATA Immediate Past President, Mr Ivan Petrov, and Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, outlined how logistics is adapting to a more complex and interconnected world. The discussion focused on equipping the industry for the future through smarter regulation, targeted innovation, and a human-centred approach.

The electronic negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) was presented as a tangible step toward paperless trade. Already available in more than 35 territories and integrated with over 50 platforms and Transport Management Systems (TMS), the eFBL supports seamless multimodal operations. Some Members have fully transitioned to digital issuance. Yet market adoption remains uneven, challenged by system interoperability, legal recognition, and stakeholder readiness.

To accelerate uptake, 3 priorities were identified:

  • Enhancing interoperability through alignment with international standards such as the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) Reference Data Model and contributions to the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI);
  • Securing legal certainty via frameworks like the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records and the forthcoming Negotiable Cargo Document (NCD) Convention;
  • Driving market adoption through awareness, training, and collaborative pilot projects that build user trust and demonstrate practical value along key trade corridors.

Strengthening corridor performance for trade facilitation was also highlighted as essential. It depends not only on infrastructure, but also on predictable and coordinated border processes. Emphasis was placed on expanding Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, particularly to better include SMEs, and promoting their mutual recognition across jurisdictions. Risk-based approaches such as Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) were cited as central to more efficient and secure customs controls.


The panel addressed rising regulatory complexity, including fragmented data requirements and growing environmental compliance burdens. For digital transformation to succeed, it must be underpinned by strong data governance. The FIATA-GSF (Global Shippers Forum) Charter for Protection And Governance of Data was referenced as a key tool for ensuring fair, secure, and transparent data handling, particularly to support SMEs navigating asymmetric access and evolving privacy rules.


In the push towards a more sustainable logistics industry, freight forwarders increasingly face a patchwork of carbon reporting obligations and sustainability requirements. The need for harmonised frameworks that reflect operational realities was underscored. Practical tools, including the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework for emissions tracking and participation in green corridor pilots, are enabling members to navigate the transition to cleaner logistics models.


Resilience and competitiveness were linked to skills development. Digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that all actors, regardless of size or geography, have access to the tools and training needed to thrive. This includes upskilling for digital processes, automation, and Artificial Intelligence, while also attracting new talent through better working conditions and opportunities for growth.


The panel also featured Mr Jeppe Skivild, Vice President and Head of Türkiye Logistics at DFDS, and was moderated by Mr Turhan Özen, Managing Partner at C2L, who brought private sector and regional perspectives to the discussion.

On Day 2, FIATA led a dedicated session titled “UN/CEFACT Standards as a Common Foundation for Digital Data and Document Exchange on Multimodal Transportation.” Moderated by FIATA President Mr Turgut Erkeskin, the session brought together Ms Inessa Platonova, Chair of the FIATA Foundation Vocational Training (FFVT) Management Committee and Vice President of Business Development at PLASKE JSC; Mr Mario Apostolov, Regional Advisor at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); Mr Michael Dill, UN/CEFACT Expert; and Mr Zakariyya Vakilov from the Port of Baku. The session explored how international data and document standards can improve transparency, reduce administrative friction, and enable efficient multimodal logistics across borders.

At the Summit’s 9th Year Logistics Achievement Awards, FIATA was honoured with the NGO of the Year Award, recognising its leadership in promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainability across the global logistics industry.

FIATA extends its appreciation to the Summit organisers for providing a valuable platform to connect global expertise with local action. The event reaffirmed FIATA’s commitment to shaping a logistics sector that is inclusive, digital, and future-ready.

Connectivity: Prioritising Efficient Trade Networks

From left to right: Mr Igor Levitin, Advisor to the President of Russia; Prof Dr Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade, Türkiye; Mr Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA President; and Tamer Kiram, Chair of the Board, iMEAK.

FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin, on Saturday 28 June 2025, took part in a high-level panel discussion on trade corridors and logistics, sharing the global perspective of freight forwarders and logistics companies. His intervention highlighted the urgent need for resilient, multimodal, and inclusive transport corridors that meet the demands of evolving trade patterns and climate imperatives.

As trade dynamics shift in response to geopolitics, technology, and sustainability goals, Erkeskin highlighted the need for "flexible multimodal transport corridors that respond to these trends, not only physically, but also digitally and procedurally".
 

During the panel, the FIATA President underscored five key areas for effective corridor development:

  1. Responding to Global Trade Trends
    Global trade is being reconfigured as supply chains diversify through nearshoring and regional resilience. From the Middle Corridor connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and Türkiye, to Africa’s Lagos-Abidjan corridor supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), freight forwarders are adapting in real time and require corridors that are flexible and predictable.
  2. Infrastructure and Efficiency Beyond Roads and Ports
    Examples from Türkiye, Rwanda, and Europe’s Trans-European Transport Network corridors show the need for investment not only in infrastructure, but in digital systems, inland connectivity, and multimodal hubs. Efficiency is measured in minutes saved at ports and seamless document clearance—connectivity must be prioritised over construction alone.
  3. The Need for Harmonised Policies and Standards
    Infrastructure alone cannot deliver results without institutional alignment. Fragmented customs procedures and inconsistent documentation continue to hinder trade flows. International standards, including the digital negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL), the TIR Convention, and UN/CEFACT recommendations for cross-border data exchange, must be adopted to support trade facilitation.
  4. Sustainability and Inclusion as Pillars for the Future
    Greener, smarter logistics corridors are essential to support modal shift and emissions reduction. Small and medium-sized logistics actors, particularly in developing countries, must be supported in the digital and environmental transition. Sustainability must be inclusive, with practical solutions that empower, not overwhelm.
  5. Corridors as Engines for Regional Integration
    Well-designed corridors are more than conduits; they are enablers of value chains, industrial growth, and regional stability. Freight forwarders must be actively involved in corridor planning and governance to ensure solutions are grounded in operational realities.


Closing his remarks, the FIATA President urged continued collaboration between governments, international organisations, and the private sector: “Corridors are systems and systems only function when all actors are aligned and empowered. FIATA stands ready to bring its tools, expertise, and global reach to support this shared vision.”

Maritime: FIATA Reinforces Freight Forwarders’ Voice at IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee

FIATA, represented by its International Trade and Law Officer, Ms Leticia Cherini, attended the 110th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), held from 18 to 27 June 2025. During the session, delegates addressed a range of critical topics, including the development of goal-based standards for new ship construction and the formulation of a goal-based regulatory instrument for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Another key area of focus was the creation of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and alternative fuels.

An important highlight of the session was a presentation delivered by Mr Mikael Renz, Chair of the IMO Expert Group on Data Harmonisation (EGDH). His presentation focused on the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, an open and freely accessible tool that provides standardised data sets and a reference model for all maritime regulatory and business processes. The compendium is intended for use by all stakeholders involved in international shipping and plays a vital role in supporting digitalisation and data harmonisation across the industry.

A particularly significant point of discussion during the session was the approval of the draft terms of reference for the establishment of the International Labour Organization (ILO) - IMO - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Group of Experts, tasked with finalising modifications and restructuring of the CTU Code (Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units). The draft terms, as initially presented, allowed for limited industry participation. In support of the statement made by the World Shipping Council, FIATA underscored the need for meaningful industry involvement in the revision of the CTU Code. Given the significant contribution of industry stakeholders to its original development, it is vital that their practical insights continue to shape its future direction. Ensuring the active engagement of freight forwarders and other practitioners is essential to producing guidelines that are not only globally relevant but also effective and applicable in real-world operations.

During the session, it was clarified that the approach to industry participation in the Group of Experts is consistent with the standard practice applied across all IMO working groups. In response to an enquiry from the Chair, the Maritime Safety Committee agreed to invite IMO observer organisations, particularly those that had expressed their views during the session, including FIATA, to participate in the forthcoming meeting of the Group of Experts, which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland. This decision represents a positive step towards ensuring that the industry’s voice continues to be heard in shaping the future of the CTU Code.

FIATA’s participation in such high-level meetings is of strategic importance. It ensures FIATA remains fully informed of the latest regulatory and technical developments while actively contributing to discussions that shape the future of global logistics. Notably, FIATA is the only representative of freight forwarders within the IMO, making its presence particularly significant.

General Meeting: FIATA Holds Successful 2025 Statutory General Meeting

FIATA successfully held its 2025 Statutory General Meeting (SGM) on 27 June 2025, bringing together Members from around the world to review the organisation’s achievements during 2024 and take key decisions in support of its governance and strategic direction.

The meeting took place online and was marked by strong engagement, with over 151 participants representing 60 Association Members. A total of 38 voting delegates took part in the formal decision-making process.

All voting items were approved by a large majority of the Assembly, including the 2024 Annual Report, the 2024 Financial Statement, the discharge of the Presidency, and the 2026 Budget. In addition, Members confirmed the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) as the host of the 2027 FIATA World Congress, to be held in Addis Ababa.

The outcomes of the meeting will shape FIATA’s next steps to enhance its operations, strengthen representation of the global freight forwarding community, and ensure the organisation remains agile and forward-looking in today’s evolving logistics landscape.

FIATA extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their active involvement and continued support, and looks forward to another fruitful year ahead.

Call to Action: Contribute to the 9th Descartes Industry Benchmark Survey

FIATA reminds its Members to participate in the 9th edition of the Descartes Forwarder & Broker Industry Benchmark Survey. This short survey aims to capture key insights into current challenges and trends in the freight forwarding and customs brokerage sector, including tariff volatility, operational issues, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) automation in reducing workload. Participation is confidential, and respondents who choose to provide their email address will receive an executive summary of the results.

The survey is open until 11 July 2025. Input from the freight forwarding community is vital to benchmark global industry practices and inform future developments.

Complete the Survey Now!

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