Doha, January 29 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the State of Qatar will host the 2026 Field Meeting and Conference of International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME) on May 11-12, 2026.

The 2026 FIATA RAME is organized by Qatar Chamber through Qatar Association of Freight and Logistics (QAFL), in collaboration with the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC). Held for the first time in Qatar, the international conference will bring together freight forwarders, logistics providers, policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders from across Africa and the Middle East for two days of strategic dialogue, knowledge sharing, and high-level networking.

On the sidelines of the conference, a logistics exhibition will be held, featuring leading local, Gulf, and regional freight and logistics companies to showcase their products and services to conference participants. The exhibition will also serve as an important platform for Qatari companies to explore prospects for cooperation and partnerships with participating companies from across the region.

In a press conference on Thursday, Qatar Chamber Board Member and Chairman of QAFL, Eng. Ali bin Abdellatif Al Misnad said that Qatar's hosting of this international event reflects its leading position as a regional and global logistics hub, supported by advanced infrastructure, world-class ports and airports, and a business-friendly environment.

He noted that FIATA RAME serves as a strategic platform bringing together decision-makers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers from across the region to discuss the challenges facing the sector and explore future opportunities, with particular emphasis on best practices and innovative solutions that support sustainable and efficient supply chains.

Elaborating on QAFL's role, he said that the association represents the interests of freight and logistics companies and works to strengthen the private sector's role in the country. He added that QAFL also seeks to enhance cooperation with local, regional, and international entities, thereby contributing to the development of the freight and transport system in the State and enhancing its competitiveness.

He expressed his hope that the conference would enhance regional cooperation, encourage the exchange of expertise, and create new partnership and investment opportunities, thereby supporting the logistics sector and reinforcing Qatar's role as a regional and global hub.

He also referred to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Qatar Chamber and the Federation of GCC Chambers, aimed at cooperating in hosting the conference.

For his part, Secretary-General of FGCCC Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi praised the cooperation between the federation and Qatar Chamber in organizing the conference. He noted that it provides a key platform for exchanging expertise, addressing supply chain and logistics challenges, and strengthening public–private partnerships, thereby supporting the development of the business ecosystem and enhancing intra- and regional trade efficiency.

He noted that the collaboration between both entities reflects their shared commitment to ensuring the success of this international event in terms of organization, content and broad participation, in a way that achieves its objectives and enhances its economic and professional outcomes.

Al Sharqi also affirmed that the federation attaches great importance to supporting such initiatives and hopes that the 2026 FIATA RAME conference would contribute to advancing the shipping and logistics sector in the region and coming up with practical recommendations that enhance competitiveness and sustainability

He called on Gulf companies to participate in the accompanying exhibition, noting that the previous edition of the conference and exhibition held in Tanzania attracted more than 600 participants. He expressed his expectation of broader participation in the 2026 Doha edition. (QNA)