As The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) begins its crucial headquarters session in Zurich, Switzerland, March 14-16, we spoke to Babar Badat who was recently named President of the 91-year-old organization.
      After talking for a few minutes with Babar, who also serves as Managing Director of Transfreight Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. of Karachi, Pakistan, it’s easy to understand why this effusive and approachable executive was elevated to the post of President of FIATA for the next two years.
      In addition to his duties atop the largest airfreight association on the planet, Mr. Badat is the well-liked leader and pioneering organizer of a robust and effective logistics industry that has become a bright spot on the Pakistani landscape.

The Badat Agenda

      “FIATA is a very large global organization representing the freight forwarding & logistics community.
      “FIATA has a growing role to play in the fast changing international transport environment.
      “In recent years the need for better global connectivity has been championed by FIATA.
      “The result is that today’s large scale infrastructure investment around the world will no doubt lead to better connectivity. Technology drives many other changes today.
      “FIATA is well aware of change and is continually preparing & positioning ourselves for the future.
      “During the past half dozen years, FIATA has engaged extensively on various international transport forums around the world.
      “I intend to continue this momentum,” Babar Badat said.

FIATA January In Pakistan

      In an outreach effort to secure better knowledge and understanding of the shipping world, the FIATA Presidency traveled to Pakistan for its January meeting.
      “FIATA Presidency members usually decide on a relevant and convenient location, so with an economy that is growing at above 5 percent, and a President of FIATA that knows the country, I am delighted to report that membership elected to conduct our important early 2018 meetings in Pakistan.
      “The Pakistan story is exciting.
      “For example, right now there are huge infrastructure projects underway worth more than U.S. $60 billion that are propelling the logistics industry.”

Lowdown On Lahore

      “We conducted meetings in Lahore.
      “Lahore served as base and opportunity for FIATA membership to witness first hand the dynamic growth and business climate in a place that is historically the sister city of New Delhi.
      “Come September, Delhi will host the huge FIATA Annual Global Conference, so we felt the location was a natural.
      “We also included a visit to Islamabad.
      “In ‘Pakistan’s Capital City’ FIATA conferees met and spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.”

First Impressions

    “As our meetings and touring progressed, it was revealed that this was the first time that any of the FIATA members had been to Pakistan.
      “Even more interesting,” Babar Badat exclaimed, “and useful moving ahead as Pakistan emerges on the world scene, is learning first hand that here is a country of 200 million people with a large agrarian economy, and a diverse landscape that sits in a very busy neighborhood.”