NAFL signs MoU with TAFFA to Boost Trade Facilitation

Ms Nadia Abdul Aziz, President of National Association of Freight and Logistics – NAFL (Dubai)signs an MoU with Tanzania Freight Forwarders association President Stephen Ngatunga to boost trade facilitation between Tanzania and U.A.E during the closing ceremony of the Global Logistics Summit 2017 in Dar es salaam

The National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) and Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will enable the two national bodies to work together in promoting efficiency in transit transport and trade facilitation.

The agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam by the newly elected NAFL President, Ms Nadia Abdul Aziz and Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA) President who is also FEAFFA Vice President Mr. Steven Ngatunga in the presence of other stakeholders in freight and logistics fraternity to boost bilateral relations between the two countries.

With the conclusion of 2017 Global Logistics Summit- Tanzania edition 23 – 26^th August in Dar es salaam,  The MoU aligns with both association’s objective to facilitate growth of the logistic services industry, which is identified as one of the key contributors in each country’s economic diversification drive.

The move is part of NAFL latest efforts to try seal the deal to host FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) World Congress in Dubai in 2020.

The NAFL President, Abdul Aziz is currently on overdrive mode in pitching Dubai’s capabilities, innovations and world class reputation. Suggesting to host the event at the same time as Expo2020 will only add to the prominence Dubai can bring to such a congress.

“We strongly believe that bringing the congress to Dubai during Expo2020 would bring the FIATA delegates a chance to secure even more investments, opportunities and deals during a 2020 edition of the event, as well as the other various things that will be exhibited and enjoyed during that time due to Expo2020,” she said.

If NAFL wins the bid to host the 2020 World Congress, it will place Dubai as a significant global hub in the freight and logistics landscape across the globe.

And to win such a prestigious bid, NAFL board is seeking full support of relevant government and semi government entities who will support them to showcase the unique business opportunities in the UAE.

If successful, it would be the first time the prestigious global event has been held anywhere in the region, counting the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The objective of attending the GLS –TZ 2017 was also to discuss latest initiatives of NAFL and increase NAFL’s logistics network as well as boost its ambitious plan of winning the FIATA World Congress 2020 bid.

Nadia who is also the first Emirati woman from the freight and logistics industry to run the association says NAFL aims to reach newer and bigger heights in coming months.

 “We will always focus on promoting the UAE’s excellent infrastructure, airports, airlines, ports and logistic freezones to investors when we travel for global conferences.

NAFL president has made bringing the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) World Congress to Dubai in 2020 the cornerstone of her leadership of NAFL.

"The cooperation comes as part of TAFFA’s commitment to support national strategic plans. Over the coming period, we will implement the memorandum signed to pave the way for one of the greatly beneficial trade partnerships for Tanzanian logistics," he added.

The NAFL & TAFFA MoU also looks to create training opportunities within the logistics industry in the view of increasing Tanzania’s expertise in freight forwarding as it bids to become a regional hub hence creating a win-win situation for both entities concluded Mr. Ngatunga.