FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations and the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement facilitates close coordination between the two organisations to help them pursue their respective organizational goals and further mutual understanding, according to a statement.
Additionally, the MoU is expected to create the framework for cooperation that will enable both shipping industry bodies to benefit from agreed actions and initiatives to achieve common objectives.
FIATA represents the freight forwarding industry, while ICHCA is focused on cargo handling and goods movement in the global supply chain.
“Cooperation with key industry organisations is critical to the safe and efficient performance of today’s increasingly complex supply chains,” said FIATA President, Basil Pietersen and went on to add, “The renewal of our MoU with ICHCA provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen our collaboration and review our common goals.”
The identified areas for collaboration in the MoU include the engagement of all actors in safety and security-related topics, the digitalisation of the supply chain, the improvement and reinforcement of operational efficiency, and regulatory and policy developments around the world that may impact on the activities of the supply chain, said the announcement.
“We remain committed to our efforts to improve safety, security and sustainability in the global logistics supply chain, especially at the ship/port interface,” noted ICHCA International’s Chair, John Beckett.
The collaboration between FIATA and ICHCA has been ongoing for more than 25 years, with their first MoU signed in 2006.
A signing ceremony took place online today (29 June) and was attended by FIATA and ICHCA representatives, as well as respective members.