FIATA HQ Meeting, MoU with the Saudi Logistics Academy, World Cargo Summit 2025, and information on FIATA invoices

Join us for the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting in Geneva from March 17–20!

Be sure to register for the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting by 15 February 2025 to ensure timely receipt of your visa letter! Join us in Geneva, Switzerland, from 17–20 March 2025, at the Geneva International Conference Center (CICG) for this pivotal event.

What to Expect:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with key players in the logistics industry.
• Engaging Workshops: Participate in sessions on industry challenges, including:
  - Major Issues in Multimodal Transport Logistics
  - Building a Modern Air Freight Future
  - Cybersecurity Challenges with the World Economic Forum
  - Collaboration for the Future of Freight Forwarding
  - Implementing the WCO Shenzhen Action Plan
  - Optimising Key Multimodal Transport Corridors
  - Leveraging Regional Free Trade Agreements
  - Data Ownership and Trusted Networks
  - Getting Started with eFBL
  - Insuring Freight Forwarders' Risks
  
  Plus, enjoy three Coffee & Learn sessions for deeper discussions.

Important Visa Information:

• Processing Time: Plan for a 2-3 month wait for your Swiss or Schengen visa; schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
• Visa Letters: These will be provided upon payment; please note they won’t be available after 15 February 2025.

This event is an excellent opportunity to influence the future of logistics.

Personal invitation from the FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin:
"I invite all our Association and Individual Members to seize this opportunity to deepen their understanding of global trade and logistics challenges. Let’s work together to shape our future strategies and reconnect with colleagues from around the world. I look forward to seeing you in Geneva!"

For additional details, please visit the official event page.

We look forward to welcoming you to Geneva!
 

Register NOW!

FIATA and Saudi Logistics Academy Sign MoU to Strengthen Logistics Training in Saudi Arabia

Dr Abdullah Alabdulkarim, Saudi Logistics Academy Chief Executive Officer, and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General

On 30 January 2025, FIATA and the Saudi Logistics Academy (SLA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 2nd Global Labor Market Conference in Ryiadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

Jointly with the Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, SLA is a FIATA Association Member. The Academy was established to develop Saudi human capital in logistics and supply chain management through the collaboration of three key stakeholders:

•    The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services,
•    The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), and
•    Vision 2030.

The Academy’s Board of Directors is chaired by H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Vice-Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, a strong support of FIATA in the Kingdom.

With international training partners such as Kuehne + Nagel and DHL, SLA, under the leadership of Dr. Alabdulkarim, has become the leading reference for logistics training in Saudi Arabia. Since its inception, SLA has made significant contributions to logistics education, delivering:

•    900+ diploma certifications,
•    1,600+ short professional courses, and
•    130+ executive programs.

Expanding FIATA Training in Saudi Arabia

The MoU aims to enhance vocational training and skills development in logistics by introducing FIATA’s training programs to Saudi Arabia. This includes the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding and the Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management, ensuring compliance with FIATA Minimum Standards. SLA is now preparing for the validation process ahead of the next FIATA Logistics Institute (FLI) session in Spring 2025.

As Saudi Arabia experiences rapid growth in logistics across all transport modes, the demand for skilled professionals is increasing. However, only a small percentage of local professionals are currently employed in logistics, particularly in regions where the activity is strong, such as Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Hail Province. This presents a strategic opportunity for FIATA to expand its presence in the region and contribute to the professionalisation of the local workforce.

This MoU marks a significant milestone in FIATA’s commitment to building logistics capacity in Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom’s vision for a globally connected, highly skilled logistics sector.

Advancing Digitalisation in Saudi Arabia

On the second day of the conference, FIATA held discussions with the leaders of the Transport General Authority (TGA) of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the FIATA Digital Bill of Lading (eFBL) and its integration into Saudi Arabia’s digital logistics platform. The over three-hour meeting resulted in concrete action points to accelerate the adoption of the FIATA eFBL within the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation agenda.

FIATA extends its deep appreciation to Dr Alabdulkarim, CEO of the Saudi Logistics Academy, for his dedication and support in strengthening FIATA’s presence and development in the Kingdom and his invitation to the 2nd GLM Conference in Ryiadh.

TGA Land transport Deputy, Abdulmajeed Altassan with FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber

The Big Picture: Navigating Uncertainty with Resilience and Collaboration

At the World Cargo Summit 2025 in Ostend, Belgium, FIATA took part in the Executive Panel that opened the conference, titled "The Big Picture". Moderated by Glyn Hughes, Director General at TIACA, the panel featured Wilson Kwong, CEO of HACTL, Eduardo Arenas Perez, VP Cargo at Avianca, and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General. Together, they explored key opportunities and challenges for 2025, offering insights into how the industry can navigate ongoing disruptions. The discussion also tackled pressing airfreight topics, including digitalisation and workforce shortages.

With geopolitical tensions reshaping global supply chains, 2025 is set to test the air cargo industry’s ability to remain both efficient and sustainable. Logistics actors must embrace volatility as the new normal, demonstrating agility and adaptability in an increasingly complex landscape.

Despite challenges, air cargo remains a critical enabler of global trade, benefiting from maritime disruptions and the sustained rise of e-commerce. Shifts in consumption patterns and demographic changes are reinforcing demand for faster deliveries, while capacity constraints at major hubs are accelerating the development of regional airports.

However, 2025 also presents significant hurdles:

• An aging freighter fleet, increasing operational costs, and evolving regulatory frameworks that risk fragmentation
• Growing sustainability expectations and the urgent need for industry-wide digitalisation
• The necessity to redefine collaboration, strengthening ties between carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and airports to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability

Digital Transformation: Opportunity or Challenge?

The digital transformation of logistics remains a crucial focus. FIATA emphasised the need for interoperability and interconnectivity, warning against the risks of fragmented digital systems that create isolated “digital islands.” Cybersecurity, data protection, and governance must be at the forefront of industry discussions to ensure digital advancements enhance efficiency rather than create new barriers.

Additionally, FIATA reiterated the importance of harmonised global regulations that strike a balance between security requirements and industry feasibility. Recent regulatory shifts have highlighted the dangers of unilateral decisions, reinforcing the need for early engagement between authorities and the private sector. Moving forward, dialogue and cooperation will be key to building a more resilient, adaptable, and future-ready logistics sector.

Beyond Digitalisation: The Rise of Robotics

HACTL underscored the need to look beyond digitalisation and consider 2025 as the year of Robotics. With workforce shortages intensifying, automation and robotics present practical solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce labor constraints, and future-proof operations.

As the industry navigates the road ahead, adaptability, innovation, and collaboration will remain the cornerstones of success.
 

The Panama Canal: A Strategic Global Trade Link at the Centre of International Attention

Following several questions received by FIATA from its membership and industry partners, including at the World Cargo Summit 2025, FIATA provides the following information on the Panama Canal developments. The below update is non-exhaustive in nature to help FIATA members better understand what is at play, and is not to be construed as necessarily reflecting the opinions or positions of FIATA or its members.

Panama has announced that it will not renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) following a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this past weekend. This decision, along with recent declarations from the U.S. President and administration, raises important questions about the geopolitical dynamics around critical global trade links such as the Panama Canal.

Transport infrastructure is inherently shaped by political and geopolitical dynamics. However, it is important to note that Panamanian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the neutrality of the Panama Canal, as outlined in the 1977 treaty, which aligns with U.S. strategic interests. This reaffirmation follows recent statements from the U.S. administration highlighting the Canal's significance.

The neutrality of the Panama Canal is crucial to its continued role as a key artery for global trade. While the canal facilitates 6% of global trade, a staggering 66% of its traffic is linked to U.S. ports, and it also serves U.S. military logistics. Although the U.S. does not control the Canal, it maintains a vested interest in its security and operational stability.

Since the Canal's transfer to Panama in 1999, American investment in the region has been limited, and at times, the U.S. has not had an accredited ambassador in Panama. This created an opportunity for China to expand its influence. In recent years, Panama abandoned its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan and became the first Latin American country to sign onto the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Additionally, the concession for two of the five ports surrounding the canal was renewed in 2021 for another 25 years by Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports.

Growing environmental and security risks in the canal zone, coupled with China’s increasing presence in Latin America and its investments in infrastructure surrounding the canal, have heightened U.S. concerns about Panama’s sovereignty and security. These concerns have prompted calls for stronger protective measures to safeguard the Canal from possible external influence.

One could interpret the recent U.S. actions as an effort to minimise Panama's ties with China, or as part of a broader strategic move to reinforce U.S.-Panama relations through increased investment and economic engagement, countering China's influence. Regardless, the U.S., like other major trading nations, has strong interests in continuing to support the stability and neutrality of the Panama Canal to ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade.

Good to Know: FIATA Enhances Transparency in Members' Invoicing

As an externally audited organisation, FIATA upholds strict financial governance and follows the recommendations of its independent external advisors. To ensure full transparency regarding member donations supporting the FIATA Foundation Vocational Training (FFVT)’s objectives, FIATA now explicitly specifies the purpose of these contributions in member invoices.

By clearly stating the statutory purpose of these funds—rather than referring to them as general donations—FIATA ensures that members fully understand how their contributions align with the Foundation’s mission. This approach reinforces FIATA’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency, strengthening its governance framework.

The FIATA Foundation is an independent entity, governed separately from FIATA and supervised by the Swiss Federal authorities. Its statutory purpose (Art. 1 of the FFVT Statutes), as explicitly stated in FIATA invoices, is "to promote vocational training in the forwarding industry in all countries of the world whose national associations belong to FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) in order to eliminate the training differential that prevails world-wide". Established by FIATA, the Foundation is funded exclusively through voluntary contributions from FIATA and member donations facilitated by FIATA.

The Foundation’s primary activity is financing Train-the-Trainer (ToT) courses for FIATA Association Members. These courses help Association members in developing their own training capacities, enabling them to offer the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding within their respective territories.

Upcoming FIATA Events

• 2025 HQ Meeting in Geneva Switzerland: 17-20 March
• 2025 FIATA-RAME Field Meeting, Zanzibar, Tanzania: 30 April-1 May
• 2025 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting, Delhi, India: 21-24 May
• 2025 Statutory General Meeting, Virtual: 27 June
• 2025 FIATA World Congress, Hanoi, Vietnam: 6-10 October
• 2025 FIATA-REU Field Meeting, Prague, Czechia: 3-5 September
• 2025 FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting, São Paulo, Brazil, Q4, dates tbc