Dubai Hosts FIATA-RAME Conference On Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) RAME (Region Africa Middle East) field meeting and the conference opened in Dubai on Tuesday to discuss strategies for a seamless logistics ecosystem.

The two-day event is being held under the patronage of the Honorary patron of the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) Sheikh Ahmed Saeed Al Maktoum and organized by NAFL under the "Connectivity, Resilience, and Sustainability in Global Supply Chains and Trade" theme.

The conference focuses on trade disruption amid geopolitical issues and strategies for the growing MEA (Middle East and Africa) logistics market, currently valued at US $163.57 billion and estimated to reach $222.63 billion in 2029.

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Humaid bin Salem, the Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce UAE, who emphasized the UAE's commitment to facilitating and boosting global trade.

"In line with the UAE's goals to diversify the economy, the ICC shares FIATA's vision to facilitate global trade. In the face of global supply chain disruptions, whether due to natural disasters or geopolitical events, it is imperative that we think globally and work as one cohesive team," he was quoted as saying by WAM.

Salem noted that the Middle Eastern country offers connectivity via air, land, or sea, playing a crucial role when it comes to trading. Aside from the UAE, he also praised the GCC region, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, for actively promoting trade and offering investment opportunities.

The chairman said that the International Chamber of Commerce UAE is keen to learn from other regions and work together to improve the private sector.

"I would therefore encourage everyone to actively participate in the discussions and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Federal Chambers or the ICC. We are here to support the needs of the private sector," he added.

FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin also spoke during the opening ceremony and highlighted the RAME region's strategic position in connecting continents.

"In today's dynamic global landscape, the FIATA-RAME meeting stands as a strategic platform, offering pragmatic insights as we gather against the backdrop of unprecedented disruptions in the Red Sea, geo-political tensions and environmental concerns," he said.

"As globalization dynamics are shifting, global trade is impacted by geo-political developments anywhere. Yet, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for resilience and adaptation," Erkeskin added.

He further said that FIATA's mission is to solve problems and advocate for an approach rooted in agility, creativity, and strategic planning.