[LIVE REPORT] FIATA World Congress 2025

Hosted by the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA) in collaboration with FIATA and international partners, the Congress is held under the theme “Green and Resilient Logistics.” The event aims to promote green transformation, enhance the adaptability of global supply chains, and reaffirm the pivotal role of logistics in sustainable development.

This is the largest annual event of the global logistics industry, and for the first time ever, it is being held in Viet Nam—marking an important milestone in the country’s deepening integration into the global logistics community.

This year’s Congress brings together over 1,200 delegates from 150 countries and territories, including government officials, leaders of national associations, heads of international organizations, policymakers, experts, and businesses in logistics, transportation, import–export, and technology.

The Congress provides an important opportunity for Viet Nam to showcase its logistics capacity, expand cooperation, and foster innovation across the industry.

Running from October 6 to 10, the five-day FIATA World Congress 2025 features a wide range of plenary meetings, seminars, and exhibitions. The FIATA World Congress Exhibition has drawn strong interest from the business community — not only as a platform for enterprises to promote their brands, but also as a valuable gateway for connecting with international markets.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Logistics

In his opening remarks, Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), emphasized that FIATA—an organization with a century-long history—has played a vital role in promoting the global logistics sector. He noted that FIATA World Congress 2025 marks an important milestone in the organization’s growth, fostering stronger global connectivity within the logistics community.

Over the years, FIATA has advanced professionally with innovative progress and international connectivity, introducing new initiatives such as a mobile application that facilitates easier packaging and order management. The organization has also strengthened its push for electronic bills of lading (eBL) and expanded cooperation with multilateral institutions, including: The World Customs Organization (WCO), The World Trade Organization (WTO), The International Air Transport Association (IATA), The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

“FIATA has also elevated standards and enhanced training through cooperation programmes,” Mr. Erkeskin stated. “We advocate for gender equality and align our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).”

He added that he was particularly delighted that, for the first time, a number of women leaders had been nominated to FIATA’s Executive Board. “This is a significant milestone that underscores the role of women in advancing gender equality and proves that women can fully succeed in leadership positions within the freight forwarding and logistics industry,” he emphasized.

According to Mr. Erkeskin, FIATA will continue to promote global initiatives in port management and international transport alliances, while deepening digital transformation efforts—not limited to electronic bills of lading but extending to other supportive digital tools that help ensure smoother and more transparent logistics operations worldwide. He further stressed that achieving sustainable development requires a combination of solutions to strengthen the logistics sector’s role as a modern architect of global supply chains. Through key events and regional outreach, FIATA has worked to raise professional standards and foster greater interconnectivity among logistics regions across the world.

Mr. Erkeskin highlighted that FIATA World Congress 2025 marks a significant milestone in cooperation with Viet Nam. “I have had the honour of meeting the Prime Minister of Viet Nam twice, and at every occasion, he has shown strong support for the development of the logistics sector. This is why today, leading global logistics experts are gathered in Ha Noi—following the guidance and encouragement of the Prime Minister himself,” he said.

“In our vision to elevate logistics to a new height, Viet Nam stands out as an emerging logistics hub at the crossroads of major supply chains. The development of seaports and other infrastructure systems demonstrates Viet Nam’s effective integration and progress toward specific national goals”, said he.

He added that to further strengthen Viet Nam’s position in the global supply chain, multimodal approaches and regional collaboration, particularly with Asian partners, will be essential. FIATA is ready to support Viet Nam in accessing global supply chains, finance, and banking systems—thereby expanding its presence in international markets. “Together with domestic and international partners, especially the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA), FIATA commits to concrete actions to enhance the logistics sector’s role, strengthen capacities, and promote sustainable development—making business operations easier and more efficient,” he affirmed.

“FIATA World Congress 2025 is a key opportunity to rethink business models, measure the sector’s carbon footprint, and move toward net-zero logistics operations. It is also a platform to exchange knowledge and build a shared vision for the future of logistics. Let us take this time to connect more closely, learn from one another, and accelerate new ideas here in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. This event is a reminder that sustainable development must always go hand in hand with responsibility,” Mr. Erkeskin concluded.

Journey to connect Vietnam with the world

Speaking at the opening of the FIATA World Congress 2025, Mr. Dao Trong Khoa — President  of the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA) — emphasized that hosting the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) Congress in Viet Nam carries a special significance. The year 2025 marks FIATA’s 99th anniversary, symbolizing nearly a century of connecting the global supply chain.

For Viet Nam, this is the first time hosting the FIATA World Congress, attracting more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries. The event not only affirms Viet Nam’s growing international stature and strong commitment to sustainable development — both environmental and economic — but also reflects the trust and partnership of the global logistics community with Viet Nam.

VLA President Dao Trong Khoa also pointed to uncertainties affecting the world economy, including geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and pandemics. Yet, the rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and green energy are opening new opportunities to reshape the logistics industry. In this context, the Congress theme “Green and Resilient Logistics” carries a profound and timely message: the logistics sector needs a green, sustainable, and resilient ecosystem capable of weathering crises and building a better future for global logistics.

Viet Nam, he noted, is a dynamic economy deeply integrated into the global market, with an impressive growth rate. In 2025, the country’s import–export turnover is expected to surpass USD 800 billion. The Vietnamese logistics system now includes 45,000 enterprises, of which 5,000 are international freight forwarding companies playing an increasingly vital role in the economy.

Viet Nam aims to become a regional logistics hub through continued investments in modern, especially green, logistics infrastructure. According to Mr. Khoa, this will lay the foundation for deeper cooperation, technology transfer, and innovation.

As the global voice of the freight forwarding industry, FIATA connects tens of thousands of logistics companies worldwide. Hosting the FIATA World Congress 2025 in Ha Noi presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss emerging trends in the global supply chain — from digitalization and green logistics to free trade zones and supply chain diplomacy. More importantly, it is an occasion to strengthen solidarity, reinforce trust, and promote shared responsibility among global logistics players in advancing the world economy.

VLA President Dao Trong Khoa reaffirmed that Viet Nam is committed to organizing the FIATA World Congress 2025 professionally, efficiently, and with rich cultural identity — leaving a lasting impression on international friends. The VLA and Vietnamese enterprises will continue to accompany FIATA in promoting green and sustainable logistics worldwide. He expressed his hope that following the Congress, more collaborative projects and creative ideas will emerge to drive the global transition toward green logistics. With that spirit, the FIATA World Congress 2025 is not merely an annual gathering — it is a milestone in Viet Nam’s journey to connect with the world, bridging nearly a century of FIATA’s legacy with the green future of the global logistics industry.

VLA President pledged that Vietnam will organize the FIATA World Congress 2025 professionally and effectively, while still being rich in national cultural identity, leaving good feelings in the hearts of international friends. VLA and Vietnamese enterprises will also accompany FIATA on the journey to develop a green and resilient logistics industry.

At the same time, Mr. Khoa hopes that after FIATA World Congress 2025, businesses will have more cooperation projects and creative ideas to promote green logistics globally.

In this sense, the FIATA globe Congress 2025 is not just an annual gathering but also a journey that links Vietnam with the rest of the globe, tying together the almost 100 years of FIATA's history with the green future of the global logistics sector.

Hai Phong aims to become the leading logistics center in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the plenary session, Mr. Hoang Minh Cuong - Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee affirmed: Hai Phong is one of the five centrally-run cities of Vietnam, the leading industry and seaport center in the Northern Vietnam, and the international trade hub of the Northern Coast region.

The Hai Phong city has an area of ​​over 3,200 km², a population of nearly 4.7 million people, with over 126 km of coastline and the most modern seaport system in the country. Hai Phong is the only city in the Northern Vietnam that has all 5 types of transport: road, rail, waterway, air and sea.

Mr. Hoang Minh Cuong - Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee

In recent years, Hai Phong has always been among the leading localities in Vietnam in terms of infrastructure development speed and investment attraction, especially in the fields of transport infrastructure, industry, high technology and logistics.

In 2024, Vietnam's import-export turnover will reach more than USD786 billion, putting Vietnam in the top 20 largest trading countries in the world. In particular, Hai Phong is the largest export gateway in the Northern Vietnam, playing a key role in the global supply chain network.

Identifying logistics as an important service industry in the economic structure, playing a vital role in connecting production - trade - import and export, Hai Phong has implemented many programs and projects and achieved outstanding results:

First , developing economic zones and industrial parks: Currently, there are 40 industrial parks and 79 industrial clusters operating effectively, such as Dinh Vu Cat Hai Economic Zone (22,540 ha) and Nam Dinh Vu Economic Zone (20,000 ha)...

Second, strong investment in transport infrastructure and seaports: Many strategic infrastructure projects are being implemented such as coastal highways, Ring Road 2 - Ring Road 3, Lach Huyen International Gateway Port, Passenger Terminal 2 - Cat Bi Airport, along with the railway project connecting Hai Phong - Hanoi Lao Cai - Yunnan (China), expected to start construction in December 2025.

In particular, Lach Huyen port system can receive ships up to 200,000 tons, directly connecting to international shipping routes to Europe and America.

Third, developing the warehouse system and logistics services: The Hai Phong city currently has more than 700 hectares of warehouses, with about 60 logistics centers, including bonded warehouses, cold storages and centralized goods inspection centers. The growth rate of Hai Phong's logistics industry reaches an average of 20-23%/year, contributing 13-15% to the city's GRDP.

According to the planning by 2030, the logistics land area will reach 1,700-2,000 hectares and by 2040 about 2,200-2,500 hectares with Hai Phong International Logistics Center as a core role.

On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly passed Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15 on specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Hai Phong City, including the construction of modern logistics centers and free trade zones, integrating high technology, financial services - research - innovation.

The Hai Phong city is promoting investment attraction in three main economic pillars: High-tech; logistics services; tourism and marine economy.

With its strategic location, great potential, determination of the government and support of the business community, Hai Phong aims to become the leading logistics center in Vietnam and Southeast Asia - a place for transit, distribution and connection of international supply chains.

Mr. Cuong affirmed: "Hai Phong City always welcomes and commits to creating the most favorable conditions for domestic and foreign investors and businesses to come to survey, cooperate and develop in the city."

At the same time, Mr. Cuong also shared, Hai Phong is ready to listen, accept opinions, and jointly build solutions for sustainable development of the green logistics industry, contributing to realizing Vietnam's new development aspirations in the era of integration and innovation.

Investing in technology, greening the logistics industry

ASEAN is a vital region, and Viet Nam stands as a gateway on the path toward green logistics and investment connectivity. “We are here to help make that journey even more sustainable,” shared Mr. Robert Yap, Executive Chairman of YCH Group, at the opening session of the FIATA World Congress 2025 on October 8.

At the start of his speech, Mr. Yap noted with an Eastern belief that although Viet Nam had faced heavy rain and storms in recent days, the clear and calm weather today was a positive sign — “rain brings fortune.” He emphasized that challenges such as supply chain disruptions, climate change, rising food prices, and volatile energy costs all affect production processes. For him, adaptability is the key factor, and how logistics businesses transform to remain flexible in the face of change is what truly matters.

He shared that he had taken over the company from his father when it was one of Singapore’s leading logistics enterprises. “In the 1970s, we shifted from passenger transport to cargo transport — a challenging transformation. During the integration process, applying technology and information systems became essential. Recognizing this, I gradually strengthened my team’s capacity to adapt to advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize management and freight operations,” he said.

Mr. Yap also revealed that YCH Singapore, in partnership with T&T Group, is implementing a superport project that will integrate the latest technologies to connect industrial parks with international ports. “This is a major project we are working on with T&T Group. We aim to bring Asia’s and the Asia-Pacific’s smart connectivity solutions here. Soon, we will launch similar projects in Cambodia. This exciting infrastructure initiative embodies the spirit of green and agile logistics — precisely today’s theme,” he said.

He further emphasized that connectivity is not only about infrastructure, but also about people who share the same vision and direction. “We have launched a program that brings young professionals to Singapore to work alongside leading experts and gain hands-on experience. Viet Nam, too, is focusing on improving its logistics workforce — a crucial and strategic effort. Transformation is not only about hardware but also about people and mindset,” he noted.

Reaffirming YCH’s long-term commitment, Mr. Yap said the company is dedicated to sustainable green logistics, aiming for net zero by 2040. He believes that adaptability, technology, and IT will be the pillars enabling logistics enterprises to grow sustainably.

Honoring outstanding young experts in global logistics

During the opening ceremony, FIATA presented the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award, honoring outstanding young experts in global logistics. Speaking at the event, Mr. Stephan Graber, Director General of FIATA, stressed that “even the best projects cannot succeed without people — without young talents, the logistics industry cannot thrive.” The YLP Award not only recognizes excellence but also underscores that developing human capital is key to the industry’s future.

Mr. Stephan Graber, Director General of FIATA

Mr. Graber emphasized that young talents are both symbols of recognition and encouragement, and FIATA remains committed to nurturing them. “This is the generation the logistics industry must invest in to stay connected and innovative,” he said. He added that these passionate, energetic individuals are eager to grow, and therefore, creating enabling environments for them to realize their potential is essential. In turn, their enthusiasm and creativity inspire innovation across the entire sector.

Mr. Graber reaffirmed FIATA’s commitment to providing young professionals with greater opportunities to develop their skills and shine through practical engagement. He expressed hope that the award winners will continue to contribute significantly to the advancement of global logistics.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mike Yarwood, Chairman of TT Club, echoed this message, emphasizing that investing in the next generation is fundamental to sustainable logistics development. “Without a high-quality workforce, even the most advanced technologies and investments cannot deliver their full potential,” he said.

As a partner and sponsor for over 25 years, TT Club was recognized for its longstanding contributions to nurturing and developing young logistics professionals. Many former YLP participants have since achieved remarkable success and now serve as mentors for the next generation, creating a sustainable talent development cycle for the global logistics industry. After a rigorous training and evaluation process, four regional winners were honored at the opening ceremony:

• Ms. Elsa Alica Montserrat Llarena Jimenez – Americas

• Mr. Abdelaziz Ilzeen – Africa/Middle East

• Ms. Lingjiao Li – Asia-Pacific

• Mr. Menno Van Noort – Europe

The program is being live reported from the National Convention Center (NCC), 57 Pham Hung Street, Tu Liem District, Ha Noi.

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