In a recent open forum, Dubai Trade and the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) discussed plans for an alliance that would further the growth of the freight forwarding and logistics industry in the UAE.

Dubai Trade and the NAFL talked about possible synergies in fields that have direct impact on the local freight forwarding community, such as training, risk financing (liability insurance), and e-payment (Rosoom) in order to add value to the industry as a whole.

“The recent global economic crisis prompted mergers, affiliations, and alliances among companies and organizations, which ultimately signifies the need to work together,” said Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade. “To synergize with organizations such as the NAFL is one step to promote teamwork among various entities that will lead to advancement in the freight and logistics industries,” he added.

NAFL Executive Board Member and IT Sub-Committee Chairman David Phillips of Freight Systems Company Ltd. expressed NAFL’s enthusiasm for the tie-up. “We look forward to formalizing an alliance with Dubai Trade, which is in line with one of our mission statements – and that is, to facilitate programs and activities that will support local government initiatives and policies, relating to the regulation and development of the freight forwarding industry,” David commented.

At the open forum, David highlighted NAFL’s latest initiatives, such as the interactive website and the NAFL Training Institute. Mahmood, on the other hand, delivered an informative presentation showcasing the company’s growth and how the trading facility enhances the services of companies, such as DP World, Dubai Customs, Economic Zones World and DMCC.

NAFL is a government-mandated organization that unites the major players in the freight forwarding, logistics, and shipping industries in the UAE. For more information, log on to www.nafl.ae. Dubai Trade (www.dubaitrade.ae) is an innovative trade facilitation entity that integrates the electronic services of various trade and logistics service providers in Dubai under a single window. Its mission is to make trade easier, faster and cost-effective for all stakeholders through continued improvement of processes and application of technology.

Photo Caption

Shown in photo are (left to right) Shahab Al Jassmi, Senior Manager, Dubai Trade; David Phillips, NAFL Executive Board Member and CEO of Freight Systems Company Ltd.; Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade; Ashok Thomas, NAFL Executive Board Member and Managing Director at FedEx Trade Networks; and Salim Ahmed Khan, Client Relations Manager, Dubai Trade.