The 2007 FIATA World Congress will be held from October 18-22 at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai and will be hosted by the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL).

Dubai is a rapidly growing city that sits at the crossroads of world trade and transport, offering congress delegates ease in air connectivity, a multitude of business opportunities and myriad leisure and social activities.

FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations) is the world’s largest transport-related NGO, representing approximately 40,000 freight forwarding companies in 150 countries.

The FIATA annual World Congress is an important event for the freight logistics industry, providing a platform for colleagues from around the world to network and learn about trends and developments in the industry, as well as new regulatory changes that affect trade and transport.

This year’s World Congress centres on the theme “Economic mobilisation through transport logistics.”

“Dubai’s logistics and transportation markets are some of the most dynamic emerging markets anywhere in the world. They are attracting increasingly high levels of interest and investment as global companies, seeking growth rates and profit levels far beyond what they can achieve in more developed markets, shift their strategic focus to the region,” said Ali Jallaf, chairman of the Dubai Host Committee. “The FIATA World Congress provides essential market intelligence for any company either already present or thinking about entering the region.”

The FIATA World Congress was first held in Dubai in 1999, and was appropriately themed “Challenges in the New Millennium.” Now, for the first time in its history, FIATA has chosen to revisit the same venue within 10 years.

In addition to numerous business opportunities, delegates at the FIATA World Congress 2007 will also be able to enjoy Dubai’s traditional Arabian hospitality and get a taste of its desert ambiance.

“The logistics industry plays a significant role in the development of the UAE as a major re-export hub in the Middle East, with excellent infrastructure and reduced delivery lead times,” added Jallaf. “This Congress is a great opportunity for participating companies to forge stronger links with the UAE and other Gulf countries.”

Established in 1992, the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) is FIATA’s sole national association member in the GCC region.

NAFL brings together the major players of the UAE’s freight forwarding, logistics and shipping industry in order to promote the freight forwarding industry and raise its standards in the UAE.

For more information on the FIATA World Congress in Dubai, please visit www.fiata2007.ae.