Welcome Messages

From the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to welcome delegates from Canada and around the world to the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations’ 2008 World Congress in Vancouver.

The smooth flow of international trade is vital in today’s increasingly connected world markets. Getting products from their point of origin to their destinations in a timely, consistent and cost-effective manner not only helps businesses thrive, but enhances the competitiveness of nations as well. With over 40,000 forwarding and logistics firms employing 8–10 million people in 150 countries, the global freight forwarding industry plays an important role in ensuring that the trade between nations will remain strong in the future.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful conference as you reflect upon past successes and work to meet the challenges ahead.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Cannon
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

A Message from the Premier

As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I would like to join with the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, and Mr. William Gottlieb, in welcoming everyone to the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association’s 2008 World Congress in Vancouver.

Events like this provide a valuable opportunity to develop and exchange ideas which will in turn help to enhance and streamline the cargo shipping industry. As we strive to strengthen
and enhance international trade relationships with countries in other parts of the world, we will increasingly rely on professionals with the knowledge and understanding of international transportation and trade to ensure that goods are moved from their point of manufacture to market, in a smooth and efficient manner.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful congress as you reflect on past accomplishments and look forward to the creation of many positive new relationships in the future.

Sincerely,

Gordon Campbell
Premier

From the Mayor of Vancouver

Greetings

On behalf of the citizens of Vancouver, and my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my warmest greetings to all those attending the International Federation of Freight Forwarder Associations World Congress.

We are very proud of the reputation Vancouver enjoys as one of the world’s most beautiful and unique meeting destinations. I hope that in addition to attending the conference you are able to experience the many cultural and recreational activities the City has to offer. I know everyone involved in organizing the conference will ensure your time with us is special.

Once again, welcome to Vancouver, and I hope you enjoy the conference.

Yours truly,

Sam Sullivan
MAYOR

From the President

Bienvenue – Welcome

It is my honour and privilege to invite you to join colleagues from around the world in Vancouver this September.
Our Main Forum “Infrastructure, Today’s Challenge for Tomorrow’s Sustainable Transport” focuses on what has become the single most important impediment to physically moving cargo. Decisions or indecision of ports operators, carriers and government in the present day, will dictate the options or lack thereof for years and decades to follow.
Our congresses have always provided an outstanding opportunity for delegates to network with their peers from all over the globe. Vancouver 2008 is no exception, in fact we made our events even more network friendly starting with the Welcome Reception at the Vancouver Aquarium, where you may stroll for hours chatting with your colleagues, all the while enjoying fine food and drink, surrounded by amazing aquatic wildlife. We have organized an end of day Wine and Cheese party in the Exhibition Hall to allow our attendees the opportunity to mingle amongst our exhibitors and sponsors. In addition, a complete afternoon has been set aside for formal one on one networking.
Never experienced a FIATA Congress? Then this is your year! We are pulling out all the stops to welcome you, with a special reception hosted by the FIATA Board Members exclusively for our first time delegates. You will be amazed how quickly you will meet people and make new contacts and friends. In our working sessions our Institutes, Advisory Bodies, Regions and Working Groups will report on their activities. All are interactive sessions and delegate participation is warmly welcomed.
Are you a golfer? It doesn’t matter if you are a duffer (as I am) or a scratch player (as my son dreams to be), you cannot pass up the opportunity to play in our Congress Tournament at Furry Creek, Canada’s most scenic golf course, with its breathtaking beauty and panoramic ocean views.
I sincerely hope you will join us this September, allowing me the opportunity to personally
welcome you on behalf of FIATA.

William M. Gottlieb
President

FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations