FIATA World Congress 2025: Expectations for a Historic Congress

Attending the Headquarters Meeting of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA HQ Meeting), the Vietnamese delegation, organized by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) along with enterprises, engaged in numerous important promotional and networking activities. Notably, these efforts focused on advancing the organization of the FIATA World Congress – FWC 2025, set to take place in Hanoi this October.

Vietnam’s appeal and the impressions of the Congress

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Dao Trong Khoa, Chairman of VLA, emphasized the attractiveness of Vietnam in general and its logistics industry in particular. He also highlighted the tremendous opportunities that the FIATA World Congress 2025 brings to businesses and investors interested in this field, answering the question: “Why should you come to Vietnam for FWC 2025?”

“When you come to Vietnam this October, you won’t just be attending another FWC—you will be stepping into one of the fastest-growing logistics hubs in Asia”, affirmed Mr. Dao Trong Khoa.

Strategically located at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam is near major international maritime and aviation routes, serving as a crucial link for trade between regional countries and global markets.

“Vietnam has become a key player in the global supply chain, with 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) creating vast opportunities for businesses worldwide. Our logistics industry is thriving, with over 40,000 logistics companies operating across the country, an annual growth rate of 12-14%, and a market valued at over 60 billion USD”, shared the VLA Chairman.

Mr. Dao Trong Khoa also highlighted that Vietnam has solidified its position as a key link in the global supply chain, with its ports ranked among the world's top 20, including Cai Mep Port, which ranks 7th globally in container port efficiency. Additionally, upcoming investments in the construction of Long Thanh International Airport, expressways, the North-South high-speed railway, and free trade zones are expected to enhance infrastructure and further elevate Vietnam’s standing on the global logistics map, the VLA Chairman emphasized.

Beyond its geographical advantages, Vietnam is emerging as a "rising star" in investment attraction, fueled by a booming manufacturing wave and its position as a growth hub in Southeast Asia. By 2025, the country’s economy is projected to reach $506 billion, ranking 33rd globally. Notably, beyond its traditional strengths in garments, footwear, furniture, and agricultural products, Vietnam is offering promising opportunities in diverse sectors such as semiconductor and AI industries, renewable energy and the green economy, high-tech industries, smart tourism, and the digital economy. Global giants like Samsung, LG, Foxconn, Intel, and Nvidia have already chosen Vietnam as their second home and a key manufacturing hub.

Vietnam has identified sustainable growth as a core priority, with a strong commitment to a net-zero future as pledged at COP26. As a result, both the government and the business community continue their efforts to build an economy that is both green and sustainable.

“This aligns perfectly with the theme of the 2025 Congress: ‘Green and Resilient Logistics’ as we strive to lead the logistics industry toward a more sustainable and responsible future”, emphasized Mr. Dao Trong Khoa.

Another key attraction of FWC 2025 is that Vietnam is not just a business destination but also a place where delegates and their accompanying guests can seamlessly combine work with leisure—a unique opportunity to explore business collaboration while immersing themselves in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

“Vietnam is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. You will be amazed by the spectacular sunrise over Ha Long Bay, one of the world’s natural wonders, or by the awe-inspiring depths of Son Doong Cave, where the boundaries between sky and earth seem to disappear… proving that Vietnam offers experiences unlike anywhere else in the world”, Mr. Dao Trong Khoa emphasized.

He also highlighted Vietnam’s vibrant cities, filled with energy, culture, and history. Specifically, at the FWC 2025 host city, delegates will have the chance to explore Hanoi—a thousand-year-old capital known for its charming ancient streets and world-renowned cuisine, such as Bún Chả, Phở, and Egg Coffee—delicacies beloved by tourists, businesspeople, and world leaders alike.

Hanoi is also famous for its warm hospitality, as demonstrated when it welcomed global figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden for dinner—a reminder of the friendliness and openness with which Vietnam welcomes the world.

Along with reaffirming the attractiveness of the event's host location, the VLA Chairman also introduced impressive figures expected to be achieved at FWC 2025—a historic milestone in the organization of FIATA's Congress. Notably, this edition marks the 99th anniversary of FIATA, paving the way for its centennial celebration in 2026.

FWC 2025 is also anticipated to set a record in delegate attendance, with over 1,200 participants from 150 countries and territories expected to join the key agenda discussions and six specialized panel sessions. Additionally, the event will feature an extensive exhibition showcasing leading enterprises and a B2B networking program using a cutting-edge One-on-One technology platform.

Prior to this, VLA leadership held a meeting with FIATA's Executive Board to review the organization of FWC 2025 up to the present stage. The discussions covered detailed updates on event planning, program content, logistics, media strategy, and other key preparations.

The captivating "Vietnam Night"

Notably, as part of the FIATA HQ Meeting, the Vietnamese delegation successfully organized “Vietnam Night”, which attracted the interest and enthusiastic participation of nearly 200 delegates attending the HQ Meeting.

Speaking at "Vietnam Night", Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighted Vietnam’s strategic position along one of the world's most crucial maritime trade routes—comparable to the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal, and the Malacca Strait.

Each year, this vital shipping route facilitates trade worth approximately $5.3 trillion, directly serving the Asia-Pacific region, the world’s most dynamic economic area, home to major economies such as China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and India. With this geographical advantage, Vietnam plays a crucial role in global trade and logistics.

Furthermore, Vietnam is a highly open economy, continuously attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and actively engaging in international trade. As a country that has signed 19 bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs), Vietnam has established itself as a key trading partner for major economies, including China, the United States, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union, ASEAN, Australia, and Canada.

"With these strong economic linkages, Vietnam has both the potential and the necessity to become a major hub in the global supply chain. A long coastline and deep-water port capacity in the North, Central, and South regions provide a solid foundation for this vision", Ambassador Mai Phan Dung emphasized.

The Vietnamese government remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, promoting sustainability and international cooperation. At the same time, policies aimed at advancing the green economy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development continue to be implemented. Political stability and open integration policies serve as essential pillars for strengthening economic cooperation, investment, and trade activities.

Looking ahead, Vietnam has set ambitious economic goals. By 2025, the target is a GDP growth rate exceeding 8%, laying a strong foundation for double-digit growth by 2030. "Sustainable and green development is at the core of our national strategy, and logistics will play a crucial role in achieving these goals. To support this, efforts are being made to enhance maritime cooperation, logistics technology, and infrastructure development. Investments in special economic zones, ports, warehouses, and airports along the coastline are being prioritized, alongside workforce training, policy improvements, and customs modernization", Ambassador Mai Phan Dung emphasized.

Meanwhile, logistics serves as a vital pillar of global trade, connecting businesses and markets while driving economic growth. By hosting FWC 2025, Vietnam aims to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building among logistics professionals worldwide. Through cooperation, new opportunities can be seized, challenges addressed, and contributions made to the sustainable development of the global logistics industry.

As the host country, Vietnam extends sincere gratitude to FIATA and all stakeholders for their trust. Looking forward to welcoming all delegates this year, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung shared: "At FWC 2025, you will not only witness Vietnam's potential but also experience the vibrancy of our people, culture, and business environment. Seize this opportunity to strengthen partnerships and build a more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected world".

Meanwhile, representing the Organizing Committee, Mr. Tran Tien Dung, Vice President of VLA and President of the Hai Phong Logistics Association, emphasized: "After many efforts, we now have the opportunity to stand here, share our pride in Vietnam, and extend our warmest greetings to all of you—those who will join us in making the upcoming congress in Hanoi this October truly memorable".

In addition to introducing Vietnam and FWC 2025, the Vice President of VLA also affirmed that the event has received strong interest and effective support from the Vietnamese Government, particularly from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The Prime Minister personally met with FIATA and VLA delegations twice, in July 2023 and July 2024, during their visits to Vietnam to inspect preparations for FWC 2025.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let your next step lead to Hanoi, where FIATA World Congress 2025 awaits. We believe that FWC 2025 is a golden opportunity for the freight forwarding, transportation, and logistics industries to collaborate and share knowledge for sustainable development. Therefore, I extend my warm invitation for all of you to join us in Hanoi and be part of this remarkable event", Mr. Tran Tien Dung emphasized.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese delegation also engaged in various promotional and networking activities, such as organizing an exhibition booth, meeting with the Vietnamese Delegation in Geneva, working with businesses—including MSC, the world’s leading container shipping company—and visiting the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva.

The Business Forum Magazine provides an update with several images of the Vietnamese delegation: