CLECAT and FIATA, representing freight forwarders on the European and international level, presented their views on the role of freight forwarders and logistics in intermodal transport at a workshop of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
The Government of Belgium in Brussels hosted the UN workshop.
CLECAT and FIATA have pointed out to authorities that logistics must be seen as an important business. The associations believe logistics should figure more prominently on the political agenda as it provides access of global trade.
Nicolette van der Jagt, director general of CLECAT, noted that many policies – such as those of modal shift in the EU – have demonstrated that efforts trying to artificially force change by placing restrictions or penalties will inevitably fail. Van der Jagt said providing incentives and facilitating the move to more sustainable options will be a success.
The associations said freight transport policy should make the industry more attractive for younger people and people reentering the labor market.
Marco Sorgetti, director general of FIATA, noted that “a lack of investments often appears to be the reason for insufficient progress” and “logistics makes prosperity possible through trade, and this is a convenient truth to remember.”
“FIATA will help policymakers who try to remove regulatory barriers, and make appropriate investments in transport infrastructure and trade facilitation,” Sorgetti said. “FIATA has instruments both in facilitation tools and in training programs that can be readily deployed.”
He noted that the World Trade Organization agreement “has the potential to give international trade a boost, and FIATA is anticipating on its implementation by making all its resources available.”
Van der Jagt said “a continued commitment of our sector to work in partnership with governments and civil society will lead to tangible benefits for the continued economic and sustainable growth.”