Innovation, Safety, and Professional Development: FIATA’s Efforts to Transform the Transport Industry

citing the Public Relations Department of the Iranian Association of Shipping and Related Services, explore FIATA’s latest efforts in innovation, safety, and professional development. These efforts range from digitalization initiatives at global conferences to enhancing safety standards and advancing educational opportunities for freight forwarders.

Upcoming Events

• Positive Developments in Syrian Logistics Operations – Updates from the Syrian International Freight Forwarders Association (SIFFA).
• Empowering Forwarders: FIATA’s Role at Logimotion 2024.
• FIATA Announces Two Successful eFBL Pilot Transactions at the 45th UNCITRAL WG VI Session in Vienna.
• FIATA’s Participation in the 43rd UN/CEFACT Forum in Rome: Advancing Digital Trade and Sustainability.
• FIATA at the 65th UN Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
• Young Logistics Professionals Award 2025 – Don’t Miss Your Opportunity!
• FIATA Headquarters Session 2025: Connecting Logistics – Register Now!

Updates on Syrian Logistics Operations

SIFFA, a member of FIATA, has shared promising updates on logistics operations in Syria following recent events:

• Damascus International Airport has resumed operations, with several airlines reactivating their services after prolonged suspensions due to economic sanctions and the Caesar Act.
• The reopening of Bab al-Hawa border crossing in northern Syria is a significant development, facilitating the movement of goods after years of closure.
• The Naseeb border crossing has also resumed customs activities, while Latakia and Tartous ports are back in operation, with shipping activities proceeding normally after temporary halts.

FIATA expresses its best wishes to its Syrian members and hopes for their strength and success during this transition period.

Empowering Forwarders: FIATA’s Role at Logimotion 2024

Logimotion 2024, held on December 10-11 in Dubai, provided a platform for advancing innovation in logistics and supply chain management. Bringing together leaders in transport, warehousing experts, and tech innovators, the event offered a unique opportunity to explore transformative solutions shaping the future of global trade.

FIATA took center stage, showcasing the transformative power of Digital FIATA for the benefit of its members and the industry. Dr. Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General, highlighted how eFBL is revolutionizing trade for members:

• Streamlining processes to reduce delays and expedite document exchange.
• Enhancing global accessibility with real-time updates for trade partners.
• Improving efficiency in document and supply chain management.
• Facilitating compliance with international trade standards through digital innovation.

FIATA also amplified its members’ voices in a riveting discussion on the impact of IoT and digital twins on infrastructure development. Led by Nasser Masoud, the discussion featured distinguished experts, including Mohammed Jaber, COO of Abu Dhabi (DSV & DSV Solution), Zeid Hamza of the National University of Singapore, and Mahmoud Ahmed Mohammed, Head of Gulf Commercial at TAD Logistics.

eFBL Pilot Projects at UNCITRAL WG VI

During the 45th session of UNCITRAL’s Working Group VI, FIATA unveiled two successful pilot transactions using the eFBL. These projects tested the proposed provisions of the UNCITRAL NCD Convention across major transport routes:

1. Transporting grain from Kazakhstan to China via rail, successfully financed by a bank.
2. Transporting urea from Turkmenistan to Romania using multimodal transport (sea, road, rail) via the Caspian Sea.

Both transactions were executed entirely digitally using the eFBL, demonstrating benefits such as speed, security, and trust in multimodal transport.

FIATA at the 43rd UN/CEFACT Forum

FIATA participated in the 43rd UN/CEFACT Forum from December 10-12, 2024, in Rome. Represented by Anastasia Filippovska, FIATA presented its digital initiatives, including the eFBL, and emphasized its alignment with UN/CEFACT data standards. This forum, attended by over 200 participants from 50+ countries, focused on advancing digital trade while addressing climate and environmental goals.

65th Session of the UN Subcommittee on Dangerous Goods

Held in Geneva from November 25 to December 3, 2024, FIATA played a pivotal role in shaping regulations for the upcoming edition of the “Orange Book” on dangerous goods. Key updates included:

• New protocols for lithium battery testing and transport.
• Revised packaging guidelines for large lithium cells.
• Amendments for specific marine transport regulations for nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Young Logistics Professionals Award 2025

Nominations for the 2025 YLP competition are open until February 1, 2025. FIATA members can nominate passionate professionals to represent their regions and showcase their talents in the global logistics industry.

FIATA Headquarters Session 2025: Connecting Logistics

Scheduled for March 17-20, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, the FIATA Headquarters Session will gather global leaders in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management to shape the future of the industry.

Upcoming FIATA Events 2025:

• FIATA Headquarters Session in Geneva: March 17-20
• FIATA-RAME Regional Meeting in Zanzibar, Tanzania: April 30-May 1
• FIATA-RAP Regional Meeting in Delhi, India: May 21-24
• Virtual General Meeting: June 27
• FIATA World Congress in Hanoi, Vietnam: October 6-10