To Enhance International Logistics Competitiveness: "Urgent Need for Specialized Workforce and Integrated Management System"

Discussion Forum on Development Plans for the International Logistics Industry Held
Politicians and Industry Discuss Registration System Improvements and Educational Infrastructure
"Support Needed for Small and Medium-Sized Forwarders to Enter Overseas Markets"

The Korea International Freight Forwarders Association held a "Discussion Forum on the Development Plan for the International Logistics Industry" on the 17th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, and discussed improvement measures for the international logistics industry promotion system.

The forum, hosted by Representative Han Junho of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and organized by the Korea International Freight Forwarders Association, was attended by over 150 representatives from related organizations and the international logistics industry. Notable attendees included Maeng Sungkyu, Chairman of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Representative Um Taeyoung, Kim Byungjun, Chairman of the International Logistics Development Advisory Committee, Choi Yunhee, President of the Korea Maritime Industry Federation, as well as representatives from Korean Air, Incheon Port Authority, the Aerospace Industry-Academia Convergence Institute, and the International Air Transport Association.

To Enhance International Logistics Competitiveness: "Urgent Need for Specialized Workforce and Integrated Management System"

The forum featured keynote presentations by Kim Youngjoo, Professor at Pusan National University, on "Institutional Improvement Measures to Foster and Enhance the Competitiveness of the International Logistics Industry," and Han Jonggil, Professor at Sungkyul University, on "Analysis of the Current Status and Improvement Measures for the International Logistics Industry." These were followed by a comprehensive panel discussion involving government ministries, academia, and industry experts.

In his opening remarks, Representative Han Junho emphasized, "As supply chain crises occur more frequently, improving the efficiency and stability of import and export logistics is directly linked to corporate competitiveness, making it necessary to establish policies for building stable supply chains for export companies. Various institutional improvement measures must be implemented to enhance the competitiveness of the logistics industry, including the establishment of an integrated logistics policy organization, the creation of a systematic international logistics support system, and the strengthening of registration and management standards for international logistics companies."

Won Jechul, President of KIFFA, stated, "Although the international logistics industry is a future industry for the nation, institutional support remains insufficient. It is necessary to clarify the legal status and role of international freight forwarders and to establish a system for nurturing the specialized personnel needed by the industry, thereby creating policies that can genuinely support small and medium-sized forwarders in entering the global market."

Chairman Maeng Sungkyu remarked, "Given Korea's industrial structure, which is highly dependent on trade, the logistics industry requires even more concentrated policy support and development in the future. Alternatives have been proposed, such as post-management systems to regulate the proliferation of companies and excessive competition, specialized education to address the decline in workforce expertise, and entrusting the registration and renewal of international freight forwarders to specialized institutions. I hope that, based on in-depth discussions among experts, practical solutions will be found."

Representative Um Taeyoung said, "Specialized organizations such as KIFFA should be entrusted with registration screening and renewal tasks to establish a rigorous and systematic management system based on industry expertise and understanding. I will actively pursue legislative and policy improvements, including strengthening registration requirements, conducting fact-finding surveys, and post-management, to ensure the competitiveness and rights of domestic companies."