FIATA Strengthening Logistics in the Americas

16 December 2024

The 2024 FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting in Barranquilla highlighted the global freight forwarding community's collaboration through discussions on digitalisation, sustainability, and regional partnerships. Key exchanges with customs authorities and ICC commissions underscored FIATA's commitment to aligning standards and advancing innovation in global logistics.

2024 FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting: Strengthening Global and Regional Freight Forwarding Partnerships

The 2024 FIATA-Region Americas (RAMs) Field Meeting took place on 4 December in Barranquilla, Colombia, alongside the prestigious Fitac International Congress (FIC) (2-4 December), hosted by FIATA's Association Member in Colombia, Federación Colombiana de Agentes Logísticos en Comercio Internacional (Fitac). The events attracted over 750 participants from 22 territories worldwide, highlighting the strength and diversity of the global freight forwarding community.

Following the FIC opening session - featuring FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin; Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA) President, Nelson Brens; Fitac President, Guillermo González, Fitac Executive Director, Miguel Espinosa; Fitac Capítulo Barranquilla President, Carlos González; and President of the National Federation of Merchants, Jaime Alberto Cabal - FIATA President, in his keynote presentation highlighted FIATA's pivotal role in navigating the evolving global logistics landscape. He addressed key industry dynamics, including the rise of e-commerce, globalisation, supply chain complexity, technological advancement, and ongoing disruptions. The presentation also highlighted critical challenges, such as sustainability, cybersecurity threats, and the urgent need to attract and retain talent. FIATA's initiatives in digital transformation, safety, and security were showcased, with a call for collaborative partnerships to build resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Panel "Global perspectives and challenges of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)"
From left to right: FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; President Grupo Consultivo del Sector Privado para las Américas - OMA, Alfonso Rojas González; Fitac Executive Director, Miguel Espinosa; ASAPRA President, Nelson Brens; moderated by Director Aduanas y Comercio Exterior, Brigar Urrutia Abogados, Camilo Castrillón Velasco.

FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber, contributed to a panel discussion on the global perspectives and challenges of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes. He emphasised the critical need for such programmes to deliver tangible benefits, underscoring their potential to drive meaningful industry improvements. FIATA's current work, within the framework of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) on AEO accessibility and benefits were outlined.

FIATA calls on you to share your perspective on AEO Programmes by filling out this survey. This initiative is part of FIATA's continuous efforts to assist its members in obtaining AEO certification. The survey aims to evaluate companies' readiness for AEO accreditation and to identify the key challenges faced throughout the process. The feedback received will assist in the understanding of the challenges faced by the industry and will enable FIATA to develop relevant guidance to help its Members obtain AEO certification. Click below to fill out the survey (6min):

AEO Programmes Questionnaire

FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin.

During the FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting, participants followed on the action points discussed during the 2024 FIATA World Congress in Panama, 23-27 September 2024, on the digitalisation of transport documents, new emergency measures in air cargo transiting through USA and Canada, training programmes, the establishment of Local Consultative Councils for air freight, Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) regimes, collaboration between FIATA and the World Bank, and AEO programmes.

The first FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting reinforced the importance of cultivating strong regional partnerships to drive the progress of the freight forwarding industry globally. As FIATA continues to strengthen its global presence, the success of this event exemplifies its commitment to advancing regional collaboration providing platforms for meaningful logistics dialogue. Associacao Nacional Das Empresas Transitarias, Agentes De Carga Aerea, Comissarias De Despachos E Operadores Intermodais (ACTC), FIATA's Association Member in Brazil, was unanimously voted to be the host of the 2025 FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting, set to take place in São Paulo, Brazil, in Q4 2025.

FIATA would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Fitac for hosting this inaugural field meeting and for their invaluable support in fostering dialogue and collaboration within the logistics community.

From left to right: FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin; Fitac President Guillermo Gonzalez Larsen; FIATA International Trade and Law Officer, Leticia Cherini; FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; and Fitac Executive Director, Miguel Espinosa.

FIATA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Fitac team for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the success of the events. Your dedication and hard work were instrumental in making them truly memorable.

Advancing Digital Standards and Collaboration in Colombia

From left to right: Fitac Executive Director, Miguel Espinosa; FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin; Fitac President Guillermo Gonzalez Larsen; Kelly Cortés, Advisor and Professional Expert in International Commerce, National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN); Claudia Patricia Marín Jaramillo, Director of Customs Management, the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN); and Adriana Rojas, Head of AEO Programmes, National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN).

Following the 2024 FIATA-Region Americas (RAMs) Field Meeting in Barranquilla, Colombia, on Thursday 5 December, FIATA had the privilege of meeting with Dr Claudia Patricia Marín Jaramillo, Director of Customs Management at the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN), and her team. This important exchange centred on aligning Colombia's customs practices with global standards and advancing key initiatives for the freight forwarding industry.

During the meeting, FIATA presented its work on the Digital FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and highlighted the potential of the eFBL in enhancing efficiency and global compatibility within Colombia. The customs authorities underscored the importance of aligning Colombia's customs systems with international standards represented by the eFBL. It was agreed that the technical teams from FIATA and DIAN would collaborate to move forward with implementing the eFBL in Colombia.

Another key topic of discussion was FIATA's efforts on the expansion of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes to include freight forwarders in Colombia, further fostering security, trust in supply chain operations and trade facilitation.

FIATA extends its gratitude to DIAN for the opportunity to discuss these critical initiatives and for its commitment to a collaborative approach in aligning the Colombian market with international standards. This meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing Colombia's position in the global logistics landscape.

FIATA Meets with Colombia's National Planning Department

From left to right: FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin; Ana Gabriela Rosero Rojas, Deputy director of logistics, Directorate of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy. National Department of Planning (DNP). Leidy Bibiana Castañeda, Consultant of Subdirectorate of Logistics, Directorate of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy. National Department of Planning (DNP); Fitac Executive Director, Miguel Espinosa; FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; Juan Camilo Alarcon, Consultant of Subdirectorate of Logistics, Directorate of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy. National Department of Planning (DNP); and Ana Gabriela Rosero Rojas, Deputy director of logistics, Directorate of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy. National Department of Planning (DNP).

On 5 December 2024, FIATA met with the National Planning Department (DNP) team in Bogotá, Colombia, to gain deeper insights into the projects of national interest led by the DNP and to explore potential areas for collaboration.

The DNP team delivered a detailed presentation on Colombia's National Development Plan for logistics, providing a diagnosis of the logistics landscape and outlining projects aimed at promoting interoperability and trade facilitation. Key data were shared, and the discussion covered intermodal transportation projects including the role of waterways for more sustainable logistics. Initiatives to enhance trade facilitation, such as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes and advance import declarations were also discussed.

FIATA used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of aligning Colombia with international standards by adopting digital trade documents such as the the Digital FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL). This digital solution offers significant potential to enhance trade facilitation initiatives by fostering trust and efficiency in trade operations.

The meeting provided an excellent platform to deepen awareness of Colombia's logistics landscape and challenges while identifying opportunities for FIATA to support the country's growth and development as a logistics hub in the region.

FIATA extends its gratitude to the National Planning Department for its warm reception and for sharing valuable insights, reinforcing a spirit of collaboration towards advancing Colombia's logistics sector.

FIATA Engages with ICC Commissions on Trade and Digitalisation

FIATA had the opportunity to meet with the Customs and Trade Facilitation and Trade and Investment Policy Commissions of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on Friday 6 December. The session was chaired by CEO of Araujo Ibarra International Trade Consultants, Mr Martin Gustavo Ibarra Pardo; ICC International Politics Director, María del Pilar Alfaro; President of the ICC Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission, Juan Diego Alzate; and FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin.

Following opening remarks, FIATA President spoke on the importance of strengthening transport corridors in Latin America, positioning Colombia as a regional hub for goods transfer. He outlined FIATA's focus on digitalisation, safety and security in supply chains, and sustainability, while FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber, provided an overview of FIATA's membership, partnerships, and initiatives, emphasising the importance of regulatory awareness, secure supply chains, and digital transformation. He highlighted the role of the Digital FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) in creating safer, more efficient, and sustainable logistics processes and shared details about FIATA's training programmes and stakeholder collaboration efforts.

Discussions emphasised Colombia's advanced regulations for digital transport documents and explored the implementation of the eFBL. FIATA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its successful adoption in the country.

FIATA expresses its gratitude to the ICC for the productive exchange and remains committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders to advance global logistics.

FIATA Meets with Colombia's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism

From left to right: Fitac Executive Director, Miguel Espinosa; FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber; FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin; Juan Felipe Bernal, Head of negotiation of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism; Francisco Melo, Director of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism; and Vice President of Investment at ProColombia, Maria Paula Arenas Quijano.

On Friday 6 December, in Bogotá, Colombia, FIATA held a productive meeting with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism to explore opportunities for collaboration and support. FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin, and FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber, delivered a detailed presentation on the transformative role of the FIATA Digital Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) in facilitating trade and enhancing efficiency.

Vice President of Investment at ProColombia, Ms Maria Paula Arenas Quijano, presented Colombia's advancements in single windows for trade and ongoing infrastructure projects. The discussions emphasised the potential of digitalisation, particularly through the adoption of the eFBL, in attracting international business to Colombia by reducing costs and enhancing trust and security in trade processes.

FIATA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ministry and Colombian authorities in implementing the eFBL and offered to arrange further meetings with technical and legal teams to ensure a smooth transition.

FIATA thanks the Ministry for the warm reception and for the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, reinforcing its commitment to advancing trade facilitation in Colombia.