The FIATA World Congress 2025 wraps up

FIATA World Congress 2025 is hosted by the Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA), in collaboration with FIATA and international partners. With the theme “Green and Resilient Logistics”, the event aims to promote green transformation, enhance the resilience of supply chains and affirm the role of logistics in sustainable development.

This is the largest annual event of the global logistics industry, held for the first time in Vietnam, marking an important step in the journey of deep integration of the Vietnamese logistics industry with the world.

This year, the congress was attended by more than 1,000 delegates from more than 100 countries and territories. Participants included leaders of countries, leaders of international associations, leaders of international organizations, policymakers, experts, logistics, transportation, import-export and technology enterprises around the world. This was an opportunity for Vietnam to promote its logistics capacity, expand cooperation and promote innovation in the logistics industry.

In the series of FIATA World Congress 2025 events lasting 5 days from October 6 to 10, along with a series of agenda activities, seminars, FIATA World Congress 2025 Exhibition, these events not only help businesses promote their brand name but also are an opportunity to connect businesses with the international market.

The past few days have been more than a congress — they have been a journey of connection, friendship, and shared vision, said Mr Dao Trong Khoa, VLA President and Co-Chair of the FIATA World Congress 2025 Organizing Committee at the closing session of the FIATA World Congress 2025.

Yesterday, in his message to the FIATA World Congress 2025, the Prime Minister of Viet Nam said: “Viet Nam is a trusted partner, a rising nation connecting people and connecting nations.” Those words perfectly capture the spirit of everything we have witnessed here in Ha Noi. “This Congress has not only connected Viet Nam with the world — it has connected Viet Nam’s proud past of nearly a century with the sustainable and responsible future we are building together”, said FIATA World Congress 2025.

“Over 1,200 delegates from more than 100 countries and territories joined us. We had over 100 exhibitors. What truly made this Congress special were the smiles, the resilience through the rain, the laughter in the corridors, and the gentle spirit of solidarity that reminded us why FIATA is not just an organization — it is a family. Many have kindly told me that this was one of the most successful Congresses in FIATA’s 99-year history”, shared Mr Dao Trong Khoa.

In Mr Dao Trong Khoa’s opinion, the success of the FIATA World Congress 2025 does not belong to him; it belongs to all of you — to the Local Organizing Committee, the VLA Executive Board, Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and the entire logistics community of Viet Nam.

Mr Dao Trong Khoa also extended his special thanks to PCO, sub-vision team, and to VCCI, to Business Forum magazine — that have served not only Viet Nam, but the global logistics community with excellence and heart.

This Congress also marks a meaningful step forward in the logistics industry’s ESG journey — becoming one of the first international events in Viet Nam to transparently measure its carbon footprint. “As of 12 p.m. today, our total footprint stands at 7.076 tons of CO₂, which is below the average per delegate compared to similar logistics events. FIATA World Congress 2025 is pioneering the path toward Net Zero Events — setting a new standard for the green logistics community. But we will not stop here. Tonight, at the Gala Dinner, we invite all of you — our FIATA family — to join hands for the next step”, stated Mr Dao Trong Khoa.

As we reach this historic moment, it is time to pass the flame forward. Mr Dao Trong Khoa said, “Thank you, dear friends, for trusting Viet Nam, for walking this path with us, and for helping us show that logistics is not just about moving goods — it is about moving hearts, minds, and hope across borders. Together, we have written a beautiful chapter in FIATA’s history. And together, we begin the next — for a world more connected, more sustainable, and more resilient”.

Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), expressed his feelings during the closing session of the FIATA World Congress 2025. He said that the last few days in the stunning city of Hanoi were a festival of communication, creativity, and unity in the global freight forwarding community.

We saw last week how effective teamwork can be. Global partners, politicians, industry leaders, and experts convened to explore how to advance sustainable logistics systems, improve multimodal transportation, and fortify global supply chains. Every meeting, conversation, and session demonstrated our dedication to advancement, flexibility, and creativity.

"We are very pleased to welcome Pham Minh Chinh, the prime minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to the FIATA World Congress in 2025. His attendance at the FIATA World Congress 2025 serves as evidence of its unique significance, and his remarks have reaffirmed Vietnam's steadfast dedication to promoting international commerce and growing the logistics sector", said the FIATA President. On behalf of FIATA, he expressed immense gratitude to the organizer, the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), for their hospitality, professionalism, and dedication throughout the organization process. "These words of encouragement have inspired the entire FIATA community to continue connecting countries through the work we are doing every day", he shared

"We would like to sincerely thank you for welcoming the global logistics community with open hearts, a sense of responsibility, and a standard of conduct." We also want to sincerely thank the professional organizers for their professional ability and unwavering work, which have made the Congress function more efficiently. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to the speakers, organizers, sponsors, partners, and volunteers who have helped to enhance the program's content, disseminate ideals, and fortify the FIATA community's sense of togetherness," Mr. Turgut Erkeskin stated.

In particular, he would like to express his deepest gratitude to the FIATA team—those who have silently contributed to the success of this Congress during the three years of preparation, especially the last six months with an extremely large workload. “Thank you to the entire FIATA team for your professionalism and dedication. As the Congress comes to a close, let us reflect on the values ​​that unite us. Freight forwarders are not only facilitators of the movement of goods but also creators of connections and drivers of growth and opportunities for the global economy,” he said. “The discussions, exchanges, and collaborations here will continue to guide FIATA’s work to promote efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across the international logistics industry. We bid farewell to beautiful Hanoi with renewed purpose and strengthened common aspirations, and together we will continue to empower the freight forwarding community, strengthen global networks, and promote green, sustainable, and resilient logistics for the future.”

The President of FIATA also sent his heartfelt gratitude to the host nation of Vietnam, all participants, and partners for the commitment, collaboration, and friendship that we have developed over the past few days.

The FIATA Director General, Mr. Stéphane Graber, expressed his feelings during the closing session and praised the more than 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries and territories who attended the event for their commitment, camaraderie, and spirit of cooperation.

Additionally, Mr. Stéphane Graber urged all companies and representatives attending the FIATA World Congress 2025 to recognize and thank everyone who has supported FIATA activities over the previous 12 months. These initiatives are crucial to advancing the shared goal of logistics companies and fortifying the Federation's international network.

The Director General of FIATA further confirmed that FIATA has arranged many important meetings throughout the year, each with distinct goals. To collectively promote the objectives and operations of the FIATA Institute and its Advisory Committees, the organization's members and specialized organizations gather in Geneva for its annual conference.

In addition, regional meetings held in the four FIATA regions bring the Federation closer to its membership. These are meetings for discussing regional difficulties, exchanging practical experiences, and developing actual solutions to problems including legal frameworks and capacity development.

These sessions are critical for increasing collaboration, building capacity, and boosting regional representation within FIATA's worldwide network.

During the event, FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin and FIATA Director General Stéphane Graber announced the 57th and 58th FIATA Diploma and Higher Diploma validation procedures. Every four years, a validation procedure is carried out with both fresh validation and revalidation. The validation aims to ensure that all training content meets FIATA's minimum standards, which include requirements for total learning hours, effective assessment methods, and support and feedback on digital teaching-learning methods and communication-marketing activities in order to continuously improve training quality.

All validated associations may be proud of their significant contributions to the development and implementation of quality training programs, which help to enhance FIATA's global professional education network.

Validated associations in this round include: China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA), Ethiopian Freight Forwarding and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), Egyptian International Freight Forwarders Association (EIFFA), Freight Forwarders Association of the Russian Federation (FAR), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Irish International Freight Association (IIFA), International Transport Companies Association of Iran (ITCA), and Southern African

Mr. Dao Trong Khoa, President of the VLA, was moved by this momentous event, saying, "I didn't want this moment to end since it was really emotional. The previous trip has been an unforgettable one, filled with obstacles, pride, and innumerable lovely memories. Today, as we conclude a fantastic Congress, we also commemorate the transfer ceremony of the FIATA emblem - the flag passed from Panama to our dear friends in Italy, the host nation of the FIATA World Congress in 2026."

The VLA President reiterated: "With this flag, we would like to convey the spirit of cooperation, commitment and solidarity - the values ​​that have made this year's Congress successful so that our common journey can continue to grow greener, stronger and further."

Marco Della Seta, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam, stated that the FIATA World Congress is more than just a professional event; it is a worldwide platform for the logistics sector, where vision is connected to action. The event brought together legislators, corporate executives, and experts from all around the world who are all dedicated to creating an efficient, sustainable, and law-abiding logistics sector.

The theme of this year's Congress, "Green and Resilient Logistics," is more than simply a slogan; it is also a "compass" for the global economy in an era of profound interconnection and fast change. Logistics is no longer only a technical discipline; it has evolved into a strategic pillar of sustainable development that helps shape each country's and the world's competitiveness.

"In a context of uncertainty and fragmentation in international trade, this forum is more important than ever," Marco Della Seta stated. "It allows all participants in the logistics chain to communicate, coordinate, and learn from one another. By working together, the global logistics community can boost resilience, promote sustainability, and keep international commerce open, fair, and pragmatic."

"Vietnam, with its strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, at the crossroads of global supply chains and key marine trade agreements, is gaining prominence in the logistics business. As one of Asia-Pacific's fastest developing nations, Vietnam is establishing itself as an emergent logistics center. However, many problems remain: infrastructure must continue to improve in step with growing demand; digitalization must be pushed across the supply chain; and sustainable development must move from ideas to real actions," stated Mr. Marco Della Seta.

However, he sees these obstacles as an opportunity to invest, innovate, and create a more competitive and resilient Vietnamese logistics sector. Continued investments in deep-sea ports, high-speed railroads, logistics parks, and free trade zones will be critical in increasing logistics capacity, improving the national economy, and establishing Vietnam as a trustworthy partner in the international arena.

"Let me convey my heartfelt gratitude to everyone of the leaders and delegates who have contributed to these days by their expertise, excitement, and shared commitment to progress. However, the voyage does not end here, but will continue. In 2026, the next FIATA Congress will be held in Milan, Italy. As an Italian ambassador and a Milanese kid, I am overjoyed to see the baton handed from Hanoi. This will not be only a change of site, but rather the continuation of a journey in which we will continue to promote common objectives and fulfill pledges via tangible measures," he stated. “Milan – long known as the center of ideas, design and business – will be the next destination of the FIATA Congress, where we commit to focus on practical solutions for the global logistics industry. This event also reaffirms Italy’s commitment to with green transport routes and international cooperation. I look forward to welcoming you in Milan next year.”

Mr. Alessandro Pitto, President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in Italy, stated, "It is an honor to speak today on behalf of the Italian Federation of Freight Forwarders, which represents over 2,500 companies and 30,000 industry professionals."

"We would like to offer our heartfelt appreciation to FIATA and the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) for their warm reception and flawless execution of this Congress," he said.

Indeed, the VLA and the Organizing Committee of the Congress have done an outstanding job, establishing a high benchmark for future Congresses. We are conscious of the enormous burden on our shoulders, but we vow to do everything we can to elevate that level even higher, as well as to share our experiences with our colleagues who will be organizing the FIATA Congress in 2027.

"Italy is not only a beautiful nation, like Vietnam, but it is also becoming increasingly important in the global logistics environment.

"Made in Italy" products are reaching the 700 billion Euro export milestone, confirming Italy's status as an industrial powerhouse and the importance of the Italian logistics industry as a growth engine for the economy.

As Italy prepares to host the FIATA Congress on its 100th anniversary, which will take place in Milan, we reaffirm our strong commitment to the international community and shared ideals.

We have decided to commit this responsibility to a new generation of young professionals who will bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a pioneering attitude to the Congress in Milan.

Their efforts, backed by prior generations' experience, will guarantee that the 100th anniversary is not just a celebration of FIATA's history, but also a springboard for the organization's future success.

"See you all in Milan!" - said Mr. Alessandro Pitto.

Mr. Mauro Da Ros, Head of FWC2026 and Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in Italy, stated: "As an Italian, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Francesco Parisi - a source of inspiration, an example of integrity, and, most importantly, a spirit of long-term dedication to FIATA."

As Italy's first FIATA President, he set the road for future generations and has personally motivated me on my journey. I'd also like to thank Yata Penny, whose knowledge, compassion, and humanity have inspired so many of us, adding to the spirit of cooperation and friendship that is at the core of FIATA's success.

These lovely moments today would not have been possible without the help and friendship of Ms. Antonella Franco - "the rose in the garden of FIATA Italy".

Milan is now not just Italy's economic center, but also a symbol of innovation and revolution, as well as a major commercial and logistical hub. Milan's pivotal role in Italy's economic development reflects the ethos of our industry: expansion, openness, and a global view.

We are excited to welcome you all to Milan, and we are confident that it will be more than just a festival, but a fresh beginning for the future.

Milan is not only the economic hub of Italy, but also a symbol of invention and creativity. Throughout its history, this city has been a hub of business and logistics, an engine of economic development, helping to make Italy an active and prominent player in the world arena while seamlessly mixing tradition and technology.

As a result, FIATA's Centenary Congress in Milan will be especially significant. This historic event will be hosted in a city that represents progress, openness, and international perspective, which aligns with FIATA's core principles. We look forward to greeting you in Milan with great enthusiasm and delight, thinking that it will not only be a big celebration, but also a fresh beginning, commemorating FIATA's continuous journey ahead.