Korea International Freight Forwarders Association Proposes Policy Measures Including 'Special Act Enactment and Statistics Provision'

Attended the 'National Maritime Power Enhancement Symposium' on the 14th
Chairman Won Je-cheol: "Inter-ministerial Coordination Functions Must Be Strengthened"

The Korea International Freight Forwarders Association (KIFFA) announced on the 14th that it proposed measures to revitalize the international logistics industry at the "National Maritime Power Enhancement Symposium" held at the National Assembly Library Auditorium in Yeouido, Seoul. This symposium was hosted by Lee Heon-seung, a member of the People Power Party.

Won Je-cheol, President of the Korea International Freight Forwarders Association. Provided by the Korea International Freight Forwarders Association

Im Ki-taek, former Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who delivered the keynote speech, proposed policies to strengthen South Korea's maritime power. KIFFA Chairman Won Je-cheol presented policy measures to foster the international logistics industry, including the enactment of a special law for the international logistics industry, the establishment of a platform to reduce transmission fees for international freight forwarders, designation of specialized educational institutions and customized training programs for cultivating international logistics professionals, establishment of a logistics college, creation of a support fund for international logistics companies' overseas expansion, government-level container stockpiling, and provision of statistics on international freight forwarding.

Chairman Won explained, "Currently, national maritime power signifies capabilities related to the global supply chain beyond mere military strength. The logistics industry, once perceived as a service sector, has now grown into a foundational industry of the national economy by leveraging the global supply chain through technological advancements and the activation of e-commerce."

He continued, "Although South Korea ranks 8th in global trade volume and has an economy highly dependent on trade, its logistics competitiveness is at the 17th level. The international freight forwarding industry has not developed adequately due to insufficient government management, and professional companies and skilled personnel have not been nurtured. To develop the logistics industry, it is essential to establish a Logistics Committee under the President or a Logistics Innovation Committee under the Prime Minister to oversee the dispersed policies across ministries, enhance inter-ministerial coordination, and strengthen driving forces for implementation," he emphasized.