'Raise standards or suffer consequences'

Dubai: Failure to ensure the highest standards in the logistics industry will cause Dubai's image and reputation to suffer, the National Association for Freight Logistics president has warned.

The NAFL is pushing for professional certification and professional liability insurance to become compulsory for logistics operators.

Captain Mansoor YA Ghafoor, NAFL president said that the logistic industry in the emirate underpins the development of the whole country.

"As Dubai goes global we have to ensure that our industry keeps pace and maintains international standards."

He added the NAFL wants to ensure that people are fully qualified and work to the highest standards.

Capt Ghafoor claims the idea behind the move is not aimed at cutting jobs but to preserve the industry's reputation.

"Documentation procedures in our industry are very complex. If mistakes are made due to ignorance it is the customers who are affected but the image of Dubai will also suffer. So we place great emphasis on training and qualifications," said Capt Ghafoor.

NAFL is the only association in the region which offers the Fiata diploma, a widely recognised training model that is already being applied in 52 countries.

The association is calling on authorities to make it mandatory for licensed operators to have professional liability insurance within the next two years.

"We have taken the initiative to provide an affordable insurance package to the industry in general to encourage this practice," said Capt Ghafoor.

He argued the professional insurance would protect the shipper, consignee and the freight forwarder.