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www.brendanread.com
AusIntermodal 2015 will take place at L’Aqua Sydney on the 19th and 20th November this year. As well as an outstanding line up of speakers from across the industry, we are lucky enough to have Paul Zalai, Founder and Director of the Freight & Trade Alliance on board to Chair Day two of the event.
Paul, after gaining a wealth of experience as a Customs Officer, returned to commerce completing stints representing the interests of Australia’s import / export sectors providing an interface to Government as both the COMPILE and Integrated Cargo System (ICS) User Representative. Paul was also a Ministerial appointment as the Industry Action Group (IAG) co-chair responsible for the ICS post implementation remedial program. In total, Paul had 13 years employment in industry association roles involved in ICT enhancements, fair trade practices, legislative, policy and port reforms. In September 2012, Paul formed the FTA with the mission of providing an influential voice and vital support services for the international freight and trade sectors.
We spent a few minutes with Paul in the lead up to AusIntermodal 2015. Check it out below…
Tell us a bit more about FTA
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) was formed in September 2012 and currently represents 210 businesses responsible for handling 70% of Australia’s international trade.
Our VISION – to establish a global benchmark of efficiency in Australian border related security, compliance and logistics activities.
Our MISSION – to increase profitability and business sustainability for Australian importers, exporters and trade service providers.
What are some of the major issues currently facing Intermodal in Australia?
Funding of port interface rail infrastructure and co-ordination of stakeholder engagement is essential. An appropriate proportion of lease proceeds as a result of privatisation must be used for this purpose.
The other benefit of port privatisation is that private sector owners will aim to maximise returns for shareholders through consistent and structured long term management of the ports. We see merit in privatisation for this reason in preference to having a revolving door of port ministers each with differing interests and strategies.
You will Chair Day 2 of the AusIntermodal Conference in November, what are you most looking forward to about participating in the conference?
Dr Eva Savelsberg, Vice President Logistics Division, INFORM GmbH Germany will discuss “Investments into port productivity: How to do more for less”
It will be fascinating to understand the process of weighing up investments in infrastructure or automated equipment as against advanced optimization software. Something that needs to be added into our thinking is how to tap into the full potential of the existing assets and the true potential of delaying or reducing the need for infrastructure investment.
Paul is a regular comentator for international freight and trade sectors and has contributed a number of articles to our partner publication Lloyd’s List Australia. If you want to see more from Paul we have included some links below to his recent articles or join us at AusIntermodal in Sydney in the 19th and 20th November to hear more.
Broker Licensing – option A, B, C or D … or none of the above!
Cargo reporting reforms should be a priority
Three “super-powers” are emerging … where does this leave Hutchison?
