"Southeast European Freight Forwarders and Logistics Operators Congress-The South East European Associations of Freight Forwarders and Logistics Operators Congress (SEEFF)" organized by UTIKAD twice in Istanbul in 1998 and 2011, took place in Portoroz, Slovenia on 12-13 April 2018.
In the event, which brought together logistics operators and transportation organizers, issues concerning the region were discussed, and problems and solution suggestions that affected the logistics industry were evaluated. As part of the event, the Business Logistics Congress on 'Supply Chain Management in Practice and Theory' was also held on April 11-13, 2018.
At the SEEFF (Southeast European Freight forwarders and Logistics Operators Congress) held since 1996, the Southeast European logistics sector met. The congress, which was held twice in Istanbul in 1998 and 2011 by UTIKAD, the International Transport and Logistics Service Providers Association, was held this year on 12-13 April 2018 in Portoroz, Slovenia.
In the congress, where logistics operators and transportation organizers come together; Problems affecting the logistics industry and solution suggestions were evaluated. At the same time, 'Supply Chain Management in Practice and Theory' was discussed at The Business Logistics Congress held within the scope of the event.
Representatives from different countries of Southeast Europe issued a declaration at the end of the two-day congress. The following topics were included in the declaration signed by Turgut Erkeskin, Vice Chairman of UTİKAD, on behalf of UTİKAD, International Transport and Logistics Service Providers Association:
- A single European transport zone will increase citizens' mobility, reduce transport costs and make European transport sustainable.
- The scope of the combined transport term needs to be expanded considering the presence of other modes of transport in the EU.
- By integrating maritime transport with land-based transport types, the use of the maritime logistics network will be encouraged, entry into markets will be easier, and synergy will emerge with other modes.
- Coordinated transportation policies will increase the capacity and efficiency of transportation and logistics.
- The use of electronic documents will form the basis of standardized digital solutions and lead the modernization of transportation in the region and in the world.
The participants also shared their suggestions for the establishment of an integrated transport and logistics system between Southeast European countries.
- Creating an internal market within the framework of the principle of freely offering services, free movement of goods and proportionality
- Creation and implementation of a Combined Transport Directive that will facilitate operators to offer combined transport operations and respond to current and future needs.
- Establishing a data exchange system that will reduce costs and facilitate international trade and logistics processes and accelerate the use of e-transport documents such as eFBL and eCMR.
- Encouraging the implementation of the Single Window System, which allows information exchange between the relevant parties at border crossing points in line with UNECE recommendations
- Reduction of non-tariff measures to optimize border crossings
- Simplifying customs processes in Southeast Europe by adopting electronic customs practices recommended by WCO at national level
- Encouraging the completion of regional infrastructure work to make transportation easier and more competitive
- Developing new alternative transportation solutions for the benefit of trade and using environmentally friendly transportation alternatives on a large scale
- Seeing cooperation in Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region as a priority target in foreign policies and following a balanced policy with neighbors
At the end of the SEEFF Congress, it was also decided to inform the public administrations about the purpose and results of the congress and to support the implementation of the decisions and recommendations.
Be the first to comment