HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is hosting the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) World Congress 2025 for the first time, marking a historic milestone for the country and the global logistics industry. The five-day event opened on October 8 in Hà Nội and brings together over 1,000 delegates from more than 100 countries.

In his keynote speech, FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin described the congress as a landmark in the organisation’s more than 100-year history, emphasising its mission to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the transformation of global logistics.

Erkeskin highlighted FIATA’s role in driving innovation, raising professional standards and fostering international connectivity. Initiatives such as the launch of a mobile app to simplify container packing standards and the rollout of the electronic bill of lading demonstrate the organisation’s focus on building a transparent, sustainable and digitally empowered logistics ecosystem.

FIATA also reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality. This year, for the first time, a female executive has been nominated to the FIATA leadership team, signalling greater inclusivity in the freight forwarding sector.

Looking ahead, the organisation plans to adopt international conventions on negotiable transport documents to ensure seamless, secure and sustainable trade. Erkeskin also announced the upcoming launch of an insured electronic freight bill, designed to help carriers worldwide manage risk and improve access to liability insurance.

The growing role of Việt Nam as a logistics hub was recognised, with Erkeskin praising the Government’s vision to reduce logistics costs from 18 per cent to 15 per cent of GDP while increasing the sector’s contribution from 10 per cent to 20 per cent. He noted that adopting multimodal transport and digital solutions, including electronic documents, would help Vietnamese small- and medium-sized enterprises integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) Đào Trọng Khoa said he was proud to host the congress during FIATA’s 100th year.

"With the theme 'Green and Resilient Logistics,' this congress underscores the urgent need to build a logistics ecosystem that is both sustainable and adaptable to global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and technological risks," he said.

Việt Nam’s logistics sector now comprises over 45,000 enterprises, including 5,000 international forwarders, with a market size estimated at US$70–80 billion. Khoa described the congress as not only a platform for professional exchange but also a symbolic bridge connecting Việt Nam to the global logistics community.

The FIATA World Congress 2025 is hosted by VLA in collaboration with FIATA and international partners and runs alongside an international exhibition in Hà Nội from October 6 to 10. — BIZHUB/VNS