Journalist: What role do you think FIATA plays for international freight forwarders?

Gottlieb: International transportation is multi facetted and geographically diverse. Our delegates are not only forwarders but also representatives of various governmental and non-governmental organisations. FIATA brings the industry together to discuss, dissect and establish direction to bring forward positive change to improve the movement of international cargo.

Journalist: What’s your impression about Dubai?

Gottlieb: Dubai has transformed itself in to a significant transport hub, with an infrastructure second to none. Added to this the fascination of some of the world's best architecture, the solitude of the desert and the warmth of its people, Dubai was a natural and popular choice to be our venue once again.

Journalist: So you do have a high evaluation of Dubai. How does FIATA plans to target the issue of cargo security?

Gottlieb: More precisely targeting the Middle East air cargo community, the congress also features a presence from the Air Freight Institute (AFI). For over forty years the association has been an active promoter of the international air transport industry, inevitably developing a close relationship with FIATA. The Air Freight Institute will hold pre-meetings with IATA member air carriers under the IATA/FIATA Consultative Council. This group meets at least twice yearly to provide ongoing dialogue on industry issues. Our Dubai agenda will include training, e-freight, CASS, security and partnership programmes. Our main forum held just after the opening ceremonies will focus on security issues. We expect all delegates to find that the panellists represent a diverse cross section and bring unique perspectives to this issue. Those attend will find the time both thought provoking and insightful.

Editor: Sunam