The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) World Congress 2025 opened on October 8 in Hanoi, gathering more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries and territories under the theme, “Green and Resilient Logistics.”
The event featured high-level discussions, an exhibition of over 120 booths, and a B2B networking programme powered by modern digital platforms. Participants include government leaders, policymakers, heads of logistics associations, executives of global logistics, transportation and import–export corporations, and experts from major international organisations.
FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin said the theme is both urgent and timely, as the global logistics industry faces major transformations driven by shifting trade flows, geopolitical volatility, e-commerce growth, technological change, and sustainability pressures.
Freight forwarders are at the centre of these developments, ensuring goods move reliably for both people and the planet, even as protectionist trends rise, he said.
According to Erkeskin, green logistics has become central to environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance and business competitiveness. Pressures to decarbonise and build sustainable supply networks come from export markets, consumers and global climate commitments. The congress, he noted, offers a platform for businesses to share solutions and set strategies for adapting quickly to global shifts.
Representing the host country, Dao Trong Khoa, Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), said the event not only affirms Vietnam’s growing position on the global logistics map but also reflects international trust and cooperation.
The congress has received strong backing from the Government, particularly from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with support from ministries, agencies and the business community, he noted.
According to Khoa, Vietnam’s total trade turnover is expected to exceed 800 billion USD in 2025, supported by a vibrant and deeply integrated economy. The country’s logistics sector comprises over 45,000 enterprises, including more than 5,000 international freight forwarders, making a significant contribution to national growth.
Valued at 70–80 billion USD, Vietnam’s logistics market has the potential to become a new hub in ASEAN, underpinned by government strategies for green logistics, modern infrastructure and global integration. These include the National Green Growth Strategy 2021–2030 and the National Action Plan on Green Growth, which identify logistics as one of 18 priority sectors.
These initiatives support Vietnam’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and enhance its competitiveness. Currently, logistics costs account for 16–18% of GDP, above the global average of 10–12%, while the sector contributes 8–10% of CO₂ emissions — underscoring the need to both reduce costs and “green” operations.
Over the five-day congress, discussions will cover cross-border e-commerce, digital transformation, innovation for sustainable logistics, cold chain development, and the expansion of inland waterway and rail transport as key drivers of sustainable supply chains. A highlight will be the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award, honouring innovative young leaders shaping the industry’s future.
Beyond being a forum for knowledge exchange, the congress creates opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to expand global partnerships, attract foreign investment in logistics infrastructure and promote Vietnam’s growing role as a dynamic logistics hub in the Asia–Pacific region.
FIATA, a non-governmental organisation representing freight forwarding and logistics firms in about 150 countries and territories, includes 113 national associations and over 6,000 individual members, representing some 40,000 enterprises worldwide./.
(VNA)
