FIATA Highlights Key Growth Opportunities and Challenges in the Region Americas at the 2024 World Congress

Panama City, 24 September 2024 – Today, FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations hosted a press conference during the 2024 FIATA World Congress, featuring FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA Director General Stéphane Graber, and Ángel Sánchez, President of Asociación Panameña de Agencias de Carga (APAC). The event focused on FIATA’s expanding presence in the Region Americas (RAMs) and provided insights into the current logistics landscape in the region.

FIATA President addressed the external shocks impacting logistics, such as environmental changes, geopolitical conflicts, and legal considerations. He emphasised FIATA's commitment to strengthening resilience for its members through partnerships with national and international organisations. "In this complex system, FIATA is focusing on developing new routes and multimodal corridors to facilitate efficient movement across the supply chain. The FIATA World Congress in Panama allows us to explore Panama’s potential and the region's logistical connectivity, challenges, and opportunities".

APAC President noted that Panama was well-position, due to its strategic transit location. He also stated that "increasing the relationships between the neighbouring territories is important, to not only ensure a stable flow of goods but to also establish best practices and regulations that allow for a more efficient, sustainable and traceable supply chain that is also cost effective*.

FIATA Director General, highlighted the significance of FIATA's return to the Region Americas after 24 years, underscoring the federation’s commitment to deeper collaboration and growth within the region. “Cooperation is the key word for this Congress, bridging all regions for trade and logistics.”

Launch of the Inaugural FIATA Market Report
During the press conference, FIATA also inaugurated its first-ever FIATA Market Report, which offers valuable insights into global trade and the evolving logistics sector. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities faced by freight forwarders, with a special focus on the Latin American region. As the host region of this year's Congress, Latin America serves as a key case study in understanding the dynamics of global supply chains, MSMEs, and infrastructural development.

FIATA’s Market Report highlights the vital role freight forwarders play in global trade, while also addressing ongoing obstacles such as high trade costs, route connectivity issues, and workforce shortages. It reinforces the need for targeted investments and policies to foster inclusivity and sustainable growth in the logistics industry.

Looking Forward: Key Focus Areas for Growth
The press conference outlined actionable steps for the Region Americas to enhance its position in the global logistics landscape:

• Investment in Logistics Infrastructure: Increased focus on infrastructure is essential to support the region’s rapid growth, ensuring competitiveness and inclusivity.
• Reduction of Non-Tariff Barriers: Aligning policies with global standards will lower trade costs and maximise economic impact.
• Facilitating Cooperation and Harmonisation: Cross-regional cooperation and alignment with global best practices will enable the region to reach its full potential in the logistics sector.

The event concluded with a strong message of collaboration, with FIATA reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Region Americas in overcoming bottlenecks and fostering sustainable growth.

To access the FIATA Market Report, please click here. For more information visit www.fiata.org or contact legal@fiata.org.

About FIATA
FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a non-governmental, membership-based organisation representing freight forwarders in some 150 countries. FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Associations Members and more than 6,000 Individual Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. Based in Geneva, FIATA is ‘the global voice of freight logistics'.

Media Contact
Ms Pritha Prasad
marketing@fiata.org