The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and the Regional European Union (REU) Field Meeting recently convened a pivotal panel discussion that identified intermodality as the central strategy for building a more resilient and adaptable global transport industry. The session, titled “Global Economic Outlook and Impacts on Regional Transport Developments – Unlocking Growth through Intermodality,” brought together leading experts to discuss the profound shifts in global supply chains.
The panel featured prominent speakers, including Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA President; Zdeněk Dušek, Partner at Ernst & Young; Paula Baena, Global Policy Lead at the International Chamber of Commerce; and Martin Hubenak, Port Representative Central & Eastern Europe at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. They explored how the transport industry is moving beyond the “just-in-time” model to a new phase focused on risk mitigation and agility in response to volatile economic and geopolitical realities.
Key discussions revolved around the disruptions impacting supply chains, the rise of nearshoring and friendshoring, and the critical need for freight forwarders to innovate with new services and alternative routes. Panelists agreed that flexible, multimodal, and interoperable transport solutions are essential for navigating this transition. They underscored the importance of digitalization, sustainability, and real-time monitoring as core components of a resilient system.
To unlock the full potential of intermodality, the session highlighted the need for greater collaboration and standardization. Panelists called for targeted investment, harmonized regulatory and customs procedures, and clear digital pathways to reduce fragmentation within the industry. A significant highlight was the finalization of the Negotiable Cargo Documents (NCD) Convention by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), supported by FIATA, which was praised as a major step toward strengthening the legal framework for multimodal and digital trade.
The panel also emphasized the crucial role of public-private partnerships in advancing practical solutions. FIATA’s collaboration with the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) was cited as a prime example of effective cooperation. The insights from this panel underscore FIATA’s commitment to equipping the industry with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
