The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) will host the FIATA-RAP 2025 event, a key milestone for India’s logistics sector. In an interview with Apace Digital Cargo, ACAAI President C K Govil highlights expected high participation and opportunities for partnerships, understanding market dynamics, and exploring logistics advancements. The event aims to establish new benchmarks for industry engagement and influence through strategic programming and outreach.
ACAAI is hosting FIATA-RAP 2025 in India. How do you see participation levels?
Hosting FIATA-RAP 2025 in India under ACAAI’s leadership is a prestigious opportunity, and participation levels are expected to be very strong for several reasons:
- Strategic Location: India’s central role in the Asia-Pacific region makes it an attractive hub for regional and global stakeholders.
- Growing Global Interest: India’s logistics and freight forwarding sector is witnessing rapid growth, drawing interest from international players.
- ACAAI’s Credibility: ACAAI’s proactive leadership and established global network enhance confidence among FIATA member associations and industry participants.
- Government & Industry Collaboration: With expected support from the Indian government and alignment with key policy initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy, the event gains additional weight.
- Business & Networking Opportunities: Delegates will see this as a platform to forge partnerships, understand Indian market dynamics, and discuss regulatory and technological advancements in logistics
With thoughtful programming and targeted outreach, FIATA-RAP 2025 in India could set new benchmarks for engagement and impact.
How will hosting FIATA-RAP 2025 benefit the logistics industry in India?
Hosting FIATA-RAP 2025 in India will significantly benefit the Indian logistics industry in the following ways:
- Global Exposure: It will bring international attention to India’s logistics capabilities, infrastructure developments, and policy reforms, positioning India as a key logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Knowledge Exchange: The event will facilitate high-level discussions on best practices, innovation, multimodal logistics, and digital transformation, offering Indian stakeholders valuable global insights.
- Networking Opportunities: It will provide Indian logistics players with direct access to global counterparts, encouraging partnerships, collaborations, and potential foreign investment.
- Policy Influence: Interaction with global experts and FIATA leadership may help align Indian logistics policies with international standards, boosting regulatory efficiency and trade facilitation.
- Boost to MSMEs: Exposure to global logistics trends can help smaller Indian freight forwarders scale up, adopt technology, and integrate into global supply chains more effectively.
- Skill Development: Sessions on training, compliance, and technological integration will help enhance the skill base of India’s logistics workforce.
- Strengthening Multimodalism: It aligns well with India’s push for multimodal logistics infrastructure, reinforcing the importance of integrated transport systems.
What will be the main topics of discussion? Which areas will be priortised?
At FIATA-RAP 2025, hosted by ACAAI in India, the main topics of discussion and priority areas are expected to include:
- Multimodal Connectivity: Strategies for integrating air, sea, road, and rail logistics to improve efficiency and reduce costs across Asia-Pacific.
- Digital Transformation: Emphasis on technologies such as blockchain, AI, IoT, and e-documents to enhance transparency, security, and automation in freight forwarding.
- Sustainability & Green Logistics: Reducing carbon footprints, adopting clean energy solutions, and promoting eco-friendly supply chain practices.
- Trade Facilitation & Policy Harmonisation: Aligning customs procedures and regulatory frameworks across borders to simplify and speed up international trade.
- Capacity Building & Training: Focus on professional development, education, and certification standards, particularly for SMEs and young logistics professionals.
- Resilience & Risk Management: Lessons from global disruptions (e.g., pandemics, geopolitical issues) and building more resilient supply chains.
- Women & Youth in Logistics: Encouraging inclusivity and the role of next-generation leadership in shaping the future of logistics.
These topics reflect both the regional challenges and the opportunities for India and Asia-Pacific to lead in shaping the future of global trade logistics.
What networking opportunities will be available for participants?
FIATA-RAP 2025 offers a rich array of networking opportunities for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, policymakers, and supply chain experts across the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Networking Opportunities
- Structured Networking Sessions: Engage with government policymakers, global logistics leaders, and industry stakeholders during dedicated networking events.
- Expert-Led Sessions: Participate in sessions led by industry experts to gain insights into cutting-edge innovations in freight and supply chain management, and to discuss global trade trends and regulatory updates.
- Business-to-Business (B2B) Meetings: Take advantage of B2B meetings to build valuable partnerships with global players and explore new business opportunities.
- Social Events: Enjoy informal gatherings and cultural experiences designed to foster connections and collaborations among participants.
These networking opportunities are designed to facilitate meaningful interactions, promote knowledge exchange, and foster collaborations that can drive growth and innovation in the logistics industry.
