FIATA world congress to take place in Bali

FIATA world congress to take place in Bali

Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

For the first time since it held its inaugural world congress
in 1926, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders
Associations (FIATA) is to hold a world congress in Bali.

The congress, the 41st to be held by FIATA, is to run from
Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 and will be hosted by the Indonesian
Forwarders Association (INFA). It is expected to attract 1,200
participants representing both foreign and local companies and
individuals.

"We expect about 400 Indonesian forwarders to participate in
the event as it is being held right here in our own country,"
said organizing committee chairman Anthon Riyanto on Wednesday.

By comparison, only about 25 Indonesian companies participated
in the previous congress held in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2001.

"Because many decision-makers will come to the event, it will
provide a very good opportunity for Indonesian companies to look
for foreign strategic partners with whom to establish joint
ventures here. In the meantime, many bright, new business ideas
may emerge during the congress," he added.

The event, titled The Role of Forwarders in the Logistics and
Supply Chain, will cost about US$600,000 to stage.

FIATA has a membership of more than 40,000 forwarding,
logistics and chain management firms from 93 national
associations in 85 countries, operating in a total of more than
150 countries.