As the largest logistics business meeting in China, the 9th Sino Conference attracted over 1,000 independent freight forwarders from around the world to Xiamen from 16-19 September for three days of intensive business meetings.
The conference, co-hosted by the Chinese International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) and WCA Family of Logistic Networks, saw over 30,000 individual business meetings held using the unique One-on-One business scheduler.
Many hundreds of new business partnerships were cemented during the conference that also included numerous social networking events, designed to maximize the opportunities for linking forwarders throughout the world.
In addition, the plenary session provided delegates with vital information on a number of important issues ranging from the steps the Chinese government is taking to promote trade and develop logistics, through new technology offerings for independent forwarders and the importance and procedures for ensuring every agent has the right insurance.
Among the key Chinese government officials in attendance was Lv Jijian, Deputy Director of China's Ministry of Commerce, who told delegates that independent freight forwarders were the bridge that allowed the flow of goods around the world and that they played a vital role in promoting and facilitating foreign trade. He added that the Ministry of Commerce was present at the conference to actively formulate plans to develop international freight forwarding and help coordinate partnerships abroad. 'Only if we closely cooperate can we develop more quickly and inject even more momentum into worldwide freight forwarding services. The economic slowdown has had a big impact, but this conference provides a great opportunity to work with the Ministry of Commerce to help formulate new plans to develop international freight forwarding.'
President of co-organizer, CIFA, Mr Zhao Huxiang, told delegates that the Sino Conference had become one of the world's most important platforms for global trade, offering abundant market opportunities and reliable partners for all attendees. He added that CIFA was working hard on a number of important goals, including paperless reform of Chinese customs.
WCA Family President David Yokeum said that the Sino Conference has matured and developed into the premier logistics networking event in China. 'Every year I see delegates benefit from even greater success and opportunities at the event. Participants are now much smarter about doing their homework before the meeting and have learned how to maximize the potential for generating new partnerships.
'The combination of WCA Family, with over 4,500 freight forwarder offices in 188 countries, working alongside CIFA ' the largest domestic freight forwarding association, provides a powerful platform that is unmatched anywhere else.
'WCA Family and CIFA have a very special, wonderful relationship and each year we will continue to look for opportunities to add even more value for independent freight forwarders.'
