Joint AFIF-CBFCA statement on merger proposal

In meeting the challenges of the changing structure of service requirements for traders in international trade
and regulatory compliance the Australian Federation of International Forwarders Ltd (AFIF) and the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc. (CBFCA) came together to form the Federation of International Forwarders and Customs Brokers of Australia Limited (FIFCBA) as membership of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).

Since that success the two associations have worked constructively to align the associations to further progress opportunities for both associations as to the formation of one entity to represent service providers in
international trade logistics and supply chain management in Australia.

The associations through sub-committee work have been able to enhance previous work undertaken on such an entity in a constructive and positive manner.

To that end the Chairs of AFIF and the CBFCA today advised that the parties have agreed to appoint and fund an independent party to undertake the preliminary work as to the formation of a new entity including the appropriate governance and compliance requirements for the both AFIF and CBFCA members in any new entity.

The associations have also agreed in moving towards such an outcome that the association in 2010 hold a joint national conference to reinforce the closer working relationship established.

The associations are aware as to the considerable work  which remains to be undertaken and as to commentaries in the marketplace as to the progression of the arrangements to date.

Both Boards are committed to the objective of a single entity to represent their respective members as they see both associations’ members will receive benefit from a single body to represent their business, regulatory, professional development, training and advocacy  requirements.

The Boards look forward to being able to put to their  respective members in the near future the process to
achieve these outcomes.

Australian Federation of International Forwarders Ltd - Paul Golland, Chairman

Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc. - Darryl Sharp, Chairman