History of freight forwarding The original function of the forwarder was to arrange for the carriage of his cu stomers'

goods by contracting with various carriers. His responsibilities included advice on all documentation and customs requiremen ts in the country of destination. His correspondent agent overseas looked after his customers' and kept him inform ed about matters that would affect movement of goods. In modern times the forwarder still carries out those same responsibilities for his client. He still operates either with a corresponding agent overseas or with his own com pany branch-office. In a single transaction, it can happen that the forwarder may be acting as a car rier (principal) or as an agent for his customer or both.[6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_forwarder = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Thinking Aloud talks to U Aung Kyaw Min, chairman of the Myanmar Freight Forward ers Association Where and when were you born? I was born in Yangon in 1950. What is your educational background? I have a BA in history from the University of Yangon, and a Master of Management in Marketing from London University. When did you become involved in the freight industry? I entered the freight forwarding industry in 1990 after returning from working i n Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand for the Caterpillar company. I became interested in freight forwarding while working overseas. When was the association formed? The association was formed in 1999 under the guidelines of the Ministry of Trans port and officially registered in 2003. The ministry wanted an association to re present freight forwarders and contribute to the development of the industry. Th e association has 56 member companies. When did you join the association? I helped to establish the association and have been its chairman since 1999. How much freight does the association s members move in a year? In 2001, Myanmar freight forwarders, including those which are not association m embers, handled more than 160,000 tonnes, rising to more than 190,000 tonnes in 2002. More than 170,000 tonnes was handled in 2003. How is most freight transported? Most imports and exports are transported by ship. Myanmar transports a neglible amount of freight by air. What are the main challenges facing the freight forwarding industry? One of the challenges we are facing this peak season (from January to March) is acquiring enough containers, which is affecting our ability to service our custo mers.

What are the prospects for the future of the industry? The prospects for the industry are very good. By 2010 all the agreements and con tracts regarding freight forwarding will have been implemented by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Greater Mekong Sub-region and the B ay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. T hey will be especially important for expanding the road freight sector. When did the association become a member of the ASEAN Freight Forwarders Associat ion? The association was admitted as a member of AFFA at its 10th annual general meet ing in Vietnam in 2000. It became a member of the International Federation of Fr eight Forwarders Association at its 77th world congress in Indonesia in 2003. What benefits has the association gained from joining these two organisations? Membership of the regional and international associations enables to directly co ntact companies in 150 countries, which is a great advantage for our members. What is your favorite holiday destination in Myanmar? I like to visit Inle Lake and other destinations in Shan State. How do you relax? I play golf every weekend and when I have the time I enjoy listening to music. http://www.myanmar.com/myanmartimes/MyanmarTimes13-255/thinking.htm = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = MIFFA BACKGROUND Forming since 1999 and finalized the Article of Association in 2001. Ministry of Transport was assisting the whole process of legalization and Cabine t approved MIFFA to form in September 2002. Official Association License was granted by Ministry of National Planning and Ec onomic Development on May 20, 2003 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =