In a landmark development for India’s logistics sector, Tej Mayur Contractor, representing the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI), has been elected Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) during the FIATA World Congress in Hanoi.
This historic victory marks the return of the Vice Presidency to India after 25 years, underscoring the nation’s growing influence and leadership in global logistics.
The election came amid intense competition from distinguished candidates worldwide, including Nadia from NAFL Dubai, David Nakatur from Ghana, Yukki Hanafi from Indonesia, and Jens Roamer. In the Asia-Pacific region, Mr. Contractor contended with C. K. Govil (ACCAAI, India), Paul Khoa (VLA, Vietnam), and Adelaide Yang (IOLFFAA, Taiwan), highlighting the strategic significance of India’s presence in international logistics forums.
This achievement is especially poignant for the Indian logistics community, as the last Indian to hold the FIATA Vice Presidency was Late Shri Mayur C. Contractor in 2001 at Cancun, Mexico. Mr. Tej Contractor’s election not only honors his personal accomplishments but also represents a collective victory for Indian freight forwarders and FFFAI’s decades-long advocacy for global logistics excellence.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Contractor said:
“I am deeply honored to represent India on this esteemed platform, carrying forward the legacy of past FFFAI representatives and walking in the footsteps of my late father, Mr. Mayur C. Contractor. Led by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and policies enabling rapid growth, I am committed to fostering collaboration and innovation in the logistics sector. Together, we can navigate the complexities of global trade and ensure a sustainable future for our industry.”
With Mr. Thomas Sim from Singapore set to assume the FIATA Presidency, the leadership team is poised to drive transformative initiatives that will shape the future of international trade and logistics.
FFFAI’s landmark achievement reflects its growing recognition both locally and globally and reinforces India’s potential as a global logistics leader. With Mr. Tej Contractor assuming FIATA’s Vice Presidency, the Indian logistics community looks forward to enhanced collaboration, best practices, and innovative solutions in the years ahead.