FIATA Driving Digitalisation to Advance the Industry Forward ⏩

19 July 2024

FIATA attends ICC Trade Finance Week in Vienna

On 6-7 June 2024, FIATA's Legal Services Director Andrea Tang was invited to participate in the Global Conference on Letters of Credit. The conference was held in Vienna during the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Austria Trade Finance Week, and brought together 180+ attendees per day from 35 countries.

During the conference, FIATA presented on the role of freight forwarders in today's complex supply chains and how the digital FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) contributes to greater security, integrity and trade facilitation. In addition, FIATA provided its perspectives on the current landscape for digital transport documents from a legal and standards-setting perspective, highlighting its collaboration with key industry partners such as through the ICC Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI) and the Future of International Trade (FIT) Alliance.

In addition, FIATA had the opportunity to sit down with Trade Finance Global in a special video interview on the future of trade documents and digitalisation. The interview provided the occasion to underline the crucial role of freight forwarding in today's complex value chains, Incoterms, and FIATA's leading work in the industry's digital transformation to foster efficient, secure and resilient supply chains. The full video is accessible on the Trade Finance Global website.

FIATA Highlights Role of Digital Trade Facilitation at UN/CEFACT Forum 2024

From 8 to 12 July 2024, FIATA had the pleasure of participating in the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) Forum and Plenary in Geneva, Switzerland. The event featured critical discussions on sustainable and digital trade, covering key topics such as Digital Product Passports, trust in digital trade, regional single window initiatives, and the potential of blockchain to facilitate trade.

FIATA was honoured to present at the UN/CEFACT Plenary during the session titled "Cooperation with International Organizations, Standard-Setting Bodies, and Other Economic Commission for Europe Bodies." The presentation highlighted FIATA's work, in collaboration with different actors, to promote global trade facilitation measures. Particular emphasis was placed on the FIATA Digital Bill of Lading (eFBL), showcasing its pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, improving accessibility, and ensuring business continuity within the supply chain. It was noted that the eFBL is mapped to be fully compatible with the UN/CEFACT standard, ensuring the interoperability between different supply chain stakeholders.

FIATA congratulates UN/CEFACT on hosting such a successful event that brought together numerous experts from various fields to explore opportunities for enhancing sustainable and digital trade facilitation.

Join the eBL revolution and unlock the future of trade: AKANEA's Digital Week

The FIATA Director General participated in AKANEA's Digital Week 2024, held from 3-7 June. The event featured nine webinars focusing on global supply chain logistics and the latest digital trends. AKANEA, a B2B software provider with over 30 years of experience in the Agri-Food and Supply-Chain industries, serves professionals in transport, logistics, and customs. AKANEA was an early adopter of the FIATA Multimodal Bill of Lading (eFBL), offering this key transport document to FIATA members in France through its platform.

On June 6, FIATA was invited to a webinar titled "Faire disparaître les frontières : la dématérialisation des documents de transport pour une logistique efficace.", which discussed the dematerialisation of transport documents to enhance logistics efficiency.

FIATA Director General was joined by AKANEA Marketing Director, Hélène Kerjean, and TransFollow Sales Manager, Guillaume Salembier. The panelists explored various initiatives aimed at digitalising supply chain processes, regulatory developments, and the future trajectory of digital transport documents. They discussed the adoption of digital documents such as the eFBL, the electronic Consignment Note (eCMR), and the electronic Air Waybill (e-LTA). The presentation of FIATA Director General highlighted the advantages of these technologies, including enhanced data security, process optimisation, and improved transparency and traceability via blockchain and digital identities. FIATA invites its members in France interested to use the FIATA eBL to contact [email protected]for more information.

Don't wait any longer to start becoming a digital freight forwarder!

CBAFF, FIATA's True Support from Across the Globe

From left to right: CBAAF Vice President, Katrina Jenner Bellamy; FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; CBAAF CEO, Sherelle Kenelly.

FIATA had the honour of visiting its valued community, Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand Inc. (CBAFF), marking FIATA's first official visit to its Association Member in New Zeland. The afternoon session allowed for an exchange of insights on crucial policy and regulatory matters, highlighting FIATA's support for the freight forwarding community, and to discuss global impacts on supply chain dynamics.

With over 40 participants, FIATA and CBAFF Members explored collaboration opportunities, emphasising the importance of safety, security, sustainability, and digitalisation. The event also highlighted the unique FIATA Young Logistics Professional Award, part of the industry's efforts to welcome promising young logistics professionals.

The warm welcome from FIATA Members and CBAFF showcased the global nature of the industry. The collective commitment to advancing digital and sustainable logistics was also tangible. FIATA deeply appreciates the valuable support from its Association Member and would like to thank all those who made the journey to join FIATA in Auckland to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our industry and discover how FIATA supports them in being more competitive.

FIATA's mission is to represent and defend the interests of logistics globally and inclusively. The voice of FIATA is strong because it represents all its Members, no matter where they are located. This visit has strengthened bonds, and the seeds planted are already bearing fruit, bringing its Members closer to FIATA on a global scale and fostering valuable new collaborations and friendships.

FIATA Shines Down Under: Attending FAPAA's 50th Executive Council & Visiting IFCBAA in Australia

From left to right: IFCBAA CEO, Scott Carson; FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; IFCBAA Chair/President NSW, Adam Butler; IFCBAA International Freight & Logistics Manager, Stephane Parrenin.

Following the visit to CBAFF, FIATA Director General attended a special event organised by the International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia Limited (IFCBAA), FIATA's Australian Association Member, to share the FIATA vision for building a modern supply chain through digitalisation and sustainability. The presentation and subsequent Q&A session provided insights into FIATA's recent efforts to support the logistics community through global disruptions, emphasising industry competitiveness and resilient supply chains.

The event highlighted the development of digital corridors and the benefits of FIATA's digital Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading Bill of Lading (eFBL). According to a study by McKinsey, the digitalisation of bills of lading can significantly reduce trade friction (USD 30-40 billion savings), save on documentation costs (USD 6.5 billion), and decrease inventory and financing costs (USD 7 billion). The eFBL, developed by FIATA for its Members, offers speed, fraud protection through blockchain, faster delivery times, and efficient document handling. It is internationally recognised, allowing access to treaty protections. Discussions also covered the role of freight forwarders as contractual carriers for end-to-end multimodal transport using the eFBL, enhancing value-added services, data protection, and acting as a trusted partner.

Trade facilitation, the introduction of PLACI regimes, and FIATA's Model Agreement for multiple filing bilateral arrangements between airfreight carriers and freight forwarders for efficient pre-advanced cargo declarations were also addressed. Over 100 IFCBAA members participated, learning about FIATA's strategy to tackle environmental challenges and decarbonise supply chains. They brought their support to this approach aimed at protecting the competitiveness of FIATA Members while helping them to comply with Sustainable Development Goals and clients' expectations. The Director General also discussed efforts to modernise the Global Air Cargo Programme to reflect current airline and freight forwarder relationships.

FIATA is grateful to IFCBAA for the warm welcome and to its Members for engaging in discussions that shape the future of the industry.

From left to right: FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; WiseTech CEO and Founder, Richard White.

FIATA also met with WiseTech CEO, Richard White, on the way to IFCBAA. Mr White is a longtime partner and distributor of the digital Bill of Lading. FIATA and Wisetech had an in-depth discussion on the vision of digitalisation of logistics and the role that each can bring to help freight forwarders become digital and potential areas of future collaboration for the best interest of the logistics industry as a whole.

✈️FIATA Reaches New Milestone on the Global Air Cargo Programme

FIATA continues to advance its work on a Global Air Cargo Programme, following the milestones set at the 2024 FIATA HQ Meeting, in April 2024. A significant further achievement was the unwavering support from its airfreight members in the Region Asia-Pacific during the 50th Federation of Asia Pacific Aircargo Associations (FAPAA) Executive Council meeting in Perth, Australia.

Earlier this year, the 51st session of the Cargo Agency Conference (CAC) supported FIATA's proposal to modernise the relationship between airlines and freight forwarders. The key milestone reached with the Global Air Cargo Programme is a result of the discussions in Perth, highlighting the unconditional support of FAPAA and was the main motivation for this visit to the Australian sub-continent.

In April, IATA Director General, Willie Walsh, participated in the 2024 FIATA HQ meeting, recognising FIATA's strategic role in the airfreight industry. He emphasised the importance of collaboration to enhance safety, security, and digitalisation in air cargo operations, highlighting the benefits of cooperation over competition.

Led by the FIATA Airfreight Institute Chair, Dawit Woubishet, FIATA developed a draft roadmap with key milestones. This roadmap was presented at the 50th FAPAA Executive Council meeting in Perth, Australia, where it received unanimous support, ensuring unity with Region Asia-Pacific. The meeting also promoted the ICAO-FIATA Dangerous Goods by Air Training programme, with several Association Members expressing strong interest in providing the ICAO-FIATA training in their territories.

Additionally, FIATA engaged in positive discussions with several participants to broaden its reach. A warm thank you goes to FAPAA for inviting FIATA to present alongside other organisations such as IATA. Without a doubt, this trip enabled FIATA to achieve its objective to unite the logistics industry in the Region Asia-Pacific ensuring full and valuable support to a Global Air Cargo Programme.

FIATA Director General Discusses Digital Innovation at GTR UK Trade and Export Finance Conference

On June 20, FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber, participated as a panelist at the Global Trade Review (GTR) UK Trade and Export Finance Conference. Industry leaders gathered to celebrate significant strides in electronic bills of lading (eBLs). This year's event welcomed over 500 delegates, marking it as a pivotal occasion for trade, export, supply chain, and fintech finance in the UK.

The panel titled "Are We Finally Seeing Progress in the Digitising of eBLs?" featuring Swift Global Trade Strategy, Terry Hubert, BNY Mellon Director, Treasury Services, Paul Rogers, CargoX Chief Executive Officer, Bojan Čekrlić and Squire Patton Boggs Partner, Robert Parson, and FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber, underscored how technological innovations expand clients' access to a broader global network. The event concluded with optimism for the future of electronic trade solutions, setting the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come.

The conference showcased notable advancements, including a UK lender's adoption of a blockchain-based trade documentation platform. This move promises to revolutionise how banks support corporate clients in their digital transformations, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Concurrently, collaborations among banks, eBL platforms, and Swift have successfully trialed interoperability solutions, further bolstering digital trade infrastructure. FIATA collaborates with Swift as part of the FIT Alliance, while CargoX is one of the leading distributors of the FIATA electrononic Bill of Lading.

From left to right: Swift Global Trade Strategy, Terry Hubert, FIATA Director General Stéphane Graber, CargoX Chief Executive Officer, Bojan Čekrlić, BNY Mellon Director, Treasury Services, Paul Rogers, and Squire Patton Boggs Partner, Robert Parson.

⚖️Explore FIATA Focus the quarterly legal newsletter brought to you on: digitalisation, legal considerations for freight forwarders and more!

The sixth edition of FIATA's Quarterly Legal Newsletter, "FIATA Focus", is now available! With a foreword by the FIATA President and contributions from key experts, this edition offers critical insights into the role of freight forwarders acting as contractual carriers and issuing their own bills of lading (such as the FBL). Taking on the role of contractual carrier provides freight forwarders with the opportunity to provide value-added services to their clients and gain greater control over the transportation process, in line with their evolved role in global supply chains. At the same time, it also presents new considerations from a legal and risk perspective, as they assume certain legal responsibilities as principals.

In this edition of FIATA Focus, you will find valuable insights on what freight forwarders should consider when acting as carriers and issuing their own bills of lading. Additionally, this edition sheds light on the ongoing MV Dali case and provides legal updates relevant to the industry.

For more information, or if you would like to contribute to the next edition, please contact [email protected].

Access FIATA Focus Issue 6 here!

FIATA welcomes a new HQ Team Member!

FIATA is excited to welcome its newest Team Member, Nathalie Bergeret, who has joined the Membership, Administration and Office Management Unit as Office Administrator.

Nathalie has extensive experience in operational and political HR, administration and office management, project management, and the implementation of new structures. She is also skilled in travel and event coordination. Nathalie has gained her experience in diverse environments and sectors, including NGOs, non-profit associations, chambers of commerce, and international companies in mining, offshore oil, trading, and auctioneering.

With a deep understanding of people and a highly pragmatic approach, Nathalie is enthusiastic about supporting FIATA and its Members, fostering collaboration, and creating a positive dynamic.

For any membership queries, please write to the dedicated FIATA mailbox at [email protected].