FIATA World Congress 2025: Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience in the Face of Global Uncertainty

Taking place in Hanoi from October 6-10, the FIATA World Congress 2025 brings together leading experts, industry leaders from top companies, and key players in logistics, transportation, and freight forwarding.

Hosted by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) in collaboration with FIATA and international partners, this marks the first time Vietnam has hosted the event. Its goal is to promote green transformation, enhance supply chain resilience, and underscore the role of logistics in sustainable development.

The fourth panel discussion at FIATA World Congress 2025 featured representatives from VCCI, Singapore Logistics Association, WCAworld, Central Retail Group, and leaders from FIATA and VLA. They shared solutions to strengthen supply chain adaptability and resilience in the face of disruptions.

Vietnam’s Efforts to Enhance Supply Chain Resilience

During the fourth panel discussion, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), emphasized that policies are crucial in creating a favorable environment for businesses to enhance adaptability and competitiveness.

“Resilience is an organization’s ability to adapt, ultimately reflected in a company’s productivity and competitiveness,” he stated.

Drawing from nearly 30 years of working with domestic businesses and international investors, he noted that all efforts to enhance resilience are closely tied to policy frameworks. Vietnam is actively promoting sustainable development, circular economy, emission reduction, and digital transformation.

From regional cooperation experiences, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh shared that Vietnam and ASEAN countries are discussing joint policies to strengthen the resilience of the entire bloc’s supply chain, rather than acting individually.

“We’re not just talking about emission reduction or best practices, but building a favorable policy environment for businesses to operate more efficiently and sustainably,” Vinh stressed.

Referencing the heavy rainfall in Hanoi before the conference, he noted that climate change highlights the need for businesses to operate in uncertainty. He also emphasized the role of technology—from digital platforms and AI to blockchain—in traceability, inventory management, and risk forecasting, especially in logistics and agriculture.

From a Vietnamese business perspective, Mr. Mike Reid, Supply Chain Director at Central Retail Group, emphasized the need to improve supply chain efficiency, calling it “the measure of a modern economy’s prosperity.” He argued that to achieve this, businesses must return to fundamentals, from mindset to operations.

“Before discussing robots or AI, we must ensure timely deliveries, accurate barcodes, and efficient warehouse management,” Mr. Mike stated.

He also highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships between businesses and logistics providers. Central Retail has shifted from monthly tendering to selecting fewer partners for long-term collaboration, aiming for mutual success.

“Flexibility comes from people and core operations, not technology. When teams respond quickly and processes are well-organized, businesses remain resilient,” he concluded.

Strengthening Global Logistics Resilience

From a regional perspective, Mr. Peter Lim, Vice President of the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA), emphasized connectivity as the core of supply chain agility. Singapore’s experience shows that to withstand global shocks, countries must build multi-layered connectivity—in infrastructure, data, and people.

Singapore has invested long-term in seaports and aviation, with a 20-year strategy to expand container and cargo capacity. Simultaneously, it is developing over 28 trade agreements and digital connections with regional countries, increasing supply chain flexibility.

“More connections mean more response options during disruptions,” Mr. Peter emphasized.

Singapore also focuses on logistics workforce development through SLA-government training programs. Technology is becoming a pillar of resilience.

“With technology enabling measurement and forecasting, we can proactively adapt, not just react,” he said, stressing cybersecurity’s importance in an increasingly digital logistics sector.

Mr. David Yokeum, Chairman of WCAworld, highlighted cooperation’s role in strengthening supply chain resilience. He emphasized that collaboration is not just a concept but a determinant of global logistics adaptability, especially across diverse cultures, geographies, and regulations.

He argued that a resilient supply chain must combine “just-in-time” and “just-in-case” models to handle global disruptions. However, the focus remains on people and direct connections.

“Cooperation starts with people. In our network, over 14,000 logistics companies worldwide collaborate daily,” Mr. David shared.

WCAworld hosts annual in-person meetings, gathering about 5,000 logistics companies globally for one-on-one meetings, needs sharing, and long-term partnerships.

“Meeting face-to-face, looking into each other’s eyes, and understanding partners builds the best trust. The future belongs to those who adapt together,” the WCAworld Chairman emphasized.