The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has marked a proud milestone as Mr Tej Contractor, Executive Committee Member of FFFAI, was elected Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) during the FIATA World Congress held in Hanoi.
The election, conducted under the leadership of FIATA President Dr. Thomas Sim and supported by FIATA’s senior leadership team, represents not only a personal achievement for Mr. Contractor but also a continuation of a family legacy. In 2001, his father, Mr. Mayur C. Contractor, was elected Vice President of FIATA at the World Congress — making this moment a symbolic continuation of service to the global freight forwarding community after 21 years.
A Legacy of Service and Family Values Reflecting on the honour, Mr. Contractor emphasized that the recognition extends beyond individual achievement. “This is about every family business that built the logistics industry brick by brick — with integrity, trust, and perseverance,” he noted. In India, where over 80% of logistics companies are MSMEs, the election is seen as a tribute to the countless entrepreneurs and family-owned enterprises that form the backbone of the sector.
Acknowledging Mentors and Colleagues Mr. Contractor expressed gratitude to his mentors, including past FIATA Presidents Issa Baluch, Stanley Lim, Francesco Parisi, Jean-Claude Delen, and Al Da Ros, for shaping the path for future leaders. He also extended appreciation to the FFFAI leadership — Chairman Amit Kamat, past chairmen Debashis Dutta, Samir J Shah, Rama Sir, Shankar Shinde, A.V. Vijayakumar, Dushyant Mulani, and the Executive Committee — for their trust and guidance.
A Victory for India’s Logistics Community “This victory belongs to FFFAI and to India,” Mr. Contractor said, dedicating the achievement to customs brokers, freight forwarders, transport operators, warehouse owners, and logisticians who continue to uphold ethics and resilience in the industry.
In closing, he paid tribute to his late father: “This one’s for you, Dad. Carrying your legacy isn’t just a privilege, it’s a purpose.”
The appointment of Mr Contractor as FIATA Vice President not only strengthens India’s representation on the global stage but also highlights the enduring role of family businesses and MSMEs in shaping the logistics industry worldwide.
Marex Media