New technology is focus of FIATA congress in Cape Town

The influence of new technology will come under the spotlight at the FIATA World Congress 2019 being held in Cape Town, South Africa, this week.

Babar Badat, president of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarding Associations) says delegates will come together to “discuss the changes in the logistics and freight forwarding industry, especially the booming new technologies and their influences over our industry, to share best practices and to build up relationships with partners around the globe”.

One of the presentations under the conference theme of ‘Where technology and logistics meet’ will be made by David Fielder, a cargo security expert and Chairman of FIATA’s Advisory Body on Safety and Security.

He believes that keeping abreast of and, more importantly, complying with, the latest security developments in various countries provides one of the biggest challenges to the industry.

Fielder says that, while there are global regulations governing aviation security through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), each country has its own security requirements and security risks.

“This means that some countries, like Australia, have already implemented a 100% piece level screening for air cargo while many others are still working towards attaining this target.”

Other topics include upskilling human resources, how the supply chain contributes to modern slavery, where software meets hardware and opportunities between South Africa and Europe.

The congress is organised in conjunction with the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) and will serve as an international platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainable solutions within the freight forwarding and transport sector in Africa.

The last time the congress was held in Africa was in 2011 in Cairo, Egypt. Badat says: “In FIATA and in the industry of international logistics and freight forwarding at large, we see ever-increasing participation from Africa, manifesting positive signals of economic growth and strong impulses for international outreach.”

According to Stephen Morris, acting director general of FIATA, securing investment will be critical to increase logistics and freight forwarding capacity. “This is vital in order to build a solid infrastructure, while ensuring industrialisation is inclusive and sustainable. The future of the continent, in terms of growth and economics, is dependent on this.”

The congress will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 1-5 October.

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