Dear friends and colleagues,

As RAME Chairman, it is my distinct pleasure to extend an invitation to each of you to participate in the upcoming 2016 RAME Field Meeting to be held this May.

For this year’s RAME Field Meeting we find ourselves in what is known as the Horn of Africa that is Ethiopia. We are given the opportunity to go back to where it all started as Ethiopia is widely considered the site of the emergence of modern humans.

The economic activities in Addis Ababa are diverse bringing together both politics and global commerce into one city. Home to the African Union and Ethiopian Airlines, transport policy and trade development has played a major role in the city and continues to witness vast developments. Now experimenting with newer technology, the Ethiopian Railways Corporation began construction of the double track electrified light rail transit project in December 2011 and trial operations had begun on 1 February 2015.

As the city continues its growth, I would encourage all to come and join us in Addis for what is a highly anticipated 2016 RAME Field Meeting consisting of high level speakers, in-depth panel discussions and key note presentations covering prevailing topics in the regions of the Africa and Middle East. One can also expect a strong focus on advocacy efforts with the AU and UNECA being a short walk away.

Our hosts this year, the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) have been working immensely to put together a well-balanced agenda which is sure to highlight clear actions for the industry but also provide great entertainment with the Gala Dinner and City Tours to help us unwind. The Field Meeting also aims to attract and cater to young talent through FIATA’s Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award for which a RAME participant has taken the prize in back to back years.

So my friends and colleagues, I extended to you again the invitation to register and participate in the 2016 RAME Field Meeting. I look forward to meeting you all in Addis.

Sincerely,

Basil L. Pietersen
RAME Chairman