2027 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting Host, EU State Aid Framework Update, Colombia Earthquake Relief Fund & AGAC 25th Anniversary

Regions: Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders to Host the 2027 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting

FIATA is pleased to announce that the Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders (FMFF) will host the 2027 FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Field Meeting, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The annual FIATA-RAP Field Meeting will bring together FIATA Members, freight forwarding professionals and industry stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting will provide a platform to discuss key developments affecting the freight forwarding and logistics industry, exchange regional perspectives and strengthen cooperation among FIATA's Members.

FIATA looks forward to welcoming Members and stakeholders from across the region to Kuala Lumpur, and extends its sincere thanks to the FMFF for taking on the role of host and for supporting FIATA's continued engagement with the Asia-Pacific freight forwarding community.

Regulatory Update: EU Adopts Temporary State Aid Framework for Crisis-Hit Transport Sectors

FIATA draws the attention of its European-based Members to the Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF). The framework enables European Union (EU) Member States to provide additional state aid support to the sectors most affected by the recent rise in energy and fuel, following the disruption in the Middle East and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Transport is among the sectors expressly covered, alongside agriculture, fishery and energy-intensive industries. Within transport, the framework applies to road and rail, inland waterways, and intra-EU short sea shipping. This places a significant part of the freight forwarding and logistics community within its scope, in particular operators facing higher fuel costs as a direct consequence of the crisis.

Under the framework, additional temporary support may be granted by Member States to businesses active in the rail, road and inland waterways transport sectors in order to offset part of the fuel price increases. In respect of maritime transport, additional temporary support may only be granted to businesses active in intra-EU short sea shipping, namely carriage of cargo and passengers by sea between ports located within Member State waters. Such support may be in the form of, among other things, direct grants, tax and payment advantages, or loans.

It is important to note that support is granted by individual Member States, not by the European Commission or by FIATA. The framework gives the Commission a faster basis on which to approve national support measures, but each Member State decides whether and how to provide support within the parameters permitted under EU law. European-based Members are therefore encouraged to monitor developments in their own territory and to engage with the relevant national authorities.

The framework applies until 31 December 2026 and may be reviewed in light of developments. FIATA invites its Members to review the framework and to assess its relevance to their operations.

Click here to read the full Communication

Earthquake Relief Fund: The FIATA Family Supports Colombia

Colombia has been struck by a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday, 10 August, causing widespread destruction and a loss of life that continues to mount. Communities have been affected, buildings have collapsed, and rescue teams remain at work in the hardest-hit regions as the territory begins to come to terms with the scale of the disaster.

The earthquake is the strongest to strike the territory in a decade and was also felt across neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. It has claimed at least 281 lives. The Colombian President, H.E. Abelardo de la Espriella, declared it a national emergency on Friday, 14 August as 3,971 people were injured and 379 remain missing, while the latest assessment from Colombia's Disaster Risk Management Unit indicates that over 12,000 homes were destroyed and over 74,000 residences damaged.

Damage to transport infrastructure has also been particularly severe, with direct consequences for logistics and the movement of goods. Over 20 bridges were affected, while more than 200 roads sustained damage, along with five airports and 44 aqueducts. Beyond the disruption to daily commerce, this has complicated the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the communities that need it most.

In response, FIATA has launched an earthquake aftermath relief fund to support recovery efforts on the ground. Contributions to the FIATA Earthquake Relief Fund will go directly to FIATA's Association Member in Colombia, Federación Colombiana de Agentes Logísticos en Comercio Internacional (FITAC), enabling it to deliver vital assistance where it is needed most. Members and partners are warmly invited to join the FIATA family in lending their support at this difficult time.

Every contribution, no matter its size, can make a real difference to those affected. Your support can bring meaningful help to the freight forwarding community in Colombia when it is needed most.

FIATA extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected, and in particular to the freight forwarding community in Colombia, its Members, their families and their colleagues. In moments such as these, the strength of the FIATA family lies in its solidarity, and in the willingness of its Members across the world to stand together in support of one another.

Donate to the Earthquake Relief Fund here

FIATA Congratulates AGAC on its 25th Anniversary

FIATA extends its warmest congratulations to its Member association, Asociación Guatemalteca de Agencias de Carga (AGAC), on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.

Over the past quarter century, AGAC has played an important role in supporting the development of the logistics and freight forwarding sector in Guatemala and has contributed actively to the international FIATA community. FIATA values the strong cooperation established with AGAC and the continued commitment demonstrated by its leadership and members.

Marking this milestone, Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General, conveyed the Federation's congratulations and best wishes for the future, recognising AGAC's achievements over the past 25 years and its contribution to the freight forwarding industry.

Upcoming FIATA Events

• 2026 FIATA World Congress, Milan, Italy: 6-9 October 2026
• 2026 FIATA-Region Africa and the Middle East Field Meeting, Doha, Qatar: 9-10 November 2026
• 2026 FIATA-Region Americas Field Meeting, Cartagena, Colombia: 25-27 November 2026