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According to the Public Relations Office of the Shipping Association of Iran, the annual meeting of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) was held from March 17 to 20, 2025, at the International Conference Centre of Geneva (CICG). The event focused on key issues related to international transportation, challenges in the logistics industry, and sustainable development strategies for the sector. Experts, senior executives of forwarding companies, and representatives of international institutions gathered to discuss major developments and future trends in the transportation industry.
Digitalization in International Transport
One of the core topics of the meeting was the implementation of the FIATA electronic Bill of Lading (eFBL), presented as a fundamental solution to facilitate global trade and improve efficiency in international transportation. FIATA representatives and logistics companies emphasized that the adoption of this digital tool still faces legal and operational barriers in some countries. In this regard, experts underlined the importance of coordination among various stakeholders, including governments, transport companies, and customs authorities, for broader implementation of the technology.
Challenges and Opportunities in Forwarder–Carrier Relations
Another key discussion centered around the interaction between freight forwarders and major shipping lines. Due to recent developments in the maritime transport sector, freight forwarders voiced concerns over the growing control of shipping lines over the supply chain and the shrinking room for maneuver for forwarders. Some participants proposed the development of new legal frameworks to prevent monopolistic practices by shipping lines in the global supply chain.
Development of New Transport Corridors and Iran’s Role in Regional Transit
The FIATA meeting also highlighted the expansion of new transportation routes to Central Asia and their impact on regional competitiveness. Countries such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan presented plans for developing their logistics infrastructure, indicating a shift in the regional transit map.
Mr. Majid Varshoosaz, Chairman of the Board of the Shipping Association of Iran, who represented the association at the event, expressed concern over the lack of serious participation by Iranian road transport organizations in the meeting, as well as the omission of Iran’s transit routes from some reports presented by regional countries. He stressed that despite Iran’s strong potential in the transit sector, the lack of coherent planning and weak engagement with international platforms has led to a reduced share for Iran in the regional logistics chain.
Environmental Challenges and New Transport Standards
Another subject discussed was the impact of new environmental standards on international transportation. With increasingly strict regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transport and logistics companies are facing challenges in investing in and transitioning to new technologies. Some participants suggested that international organizations, including FIATA, should seek financial solutions to support small and medium-sized enterprises in shifting towards sustainable transportation systems.
Summary and the Impact of Iran’s Participation at FIATA
The active presence of the Shipping Association of Iran at FIATA meetings and participation in its programs reflects the association’s professional approach to strengthening Iran’s position in international transportation and tapping into global opportunities. However, maintaining and enhancing Iran’s role in transit corridors will require the development of comprehensive policies and greater coordination between public and private sector stakeholders than ever before.
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