Career
A team of professionals from international transport and logistics company AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG exhibited with a stand at Semaine Internationale du Transport et de la Logistique (SITL), an event held in Paris from the 20th to 23rd of March. AsstrA participated in SITL because it is considered the best occasion for logistics industry leaders to gather and exchange ideas and professional insights on operating supply chain businesses.
According to Natalia Eremenco, Sales & Marketing Director at AsstrA: “SITL is a huge conference for transporters. The vast majority of exhibitors, however, were operating mainly on the French market. AsstrA stood out from the crowd with a bright, unique stand and advertising in the main catalogue prepared especially for event. We met many prospective Clients for the first time when they stopped by to introduce themselves. But at this point, before detailed analysis is done, measuring concrete outcomes of participation in such an event is difficult. Nevertheless, new opportunities did come up and soon we will be able to share more about them.”
Urban transport strikes negatively affected SITL
Natalia Iwanowa-Kolakowska, France Country Manager, adds that the last day of this year’s SITL attracted less visitors due to French transportation strikes. The smaller crowd size, however, created greater opportunities for longer discussions with each potential Client who visited AsstrA stand. “The trade fair was divided into three segments: packaging and manufacturing, transport and logistics, and IT solutions like track & trace systems. In each category it was easy to find an ideal Partner for your business,” says N. Iwanowa-Kolakowska.
AsstrA Vice President Frank Muller states that the pre-arranged meetings held during the SITL Paris 2018 were promising. “Events like SITL always inspire new business goal-setting. I am looking forward to participating in this event in the future,” notes Mr. Muller.
The conference atmosphere was pleasant, and it was easy to speak directly to people with whom you would like to collaborate in the future. “We were able to learn a great deal from the IT solutions presented during the event. Especially considering that we are integrating track & trace solutions into our operational systems, we received valuable feedback in response to the questions we raised,” adds Ms. Iwanowa-Kolakowska.
AsstrA representatives also noted a lack of direct road transport carriers represented at the event. Instead, many French sea and river port operators were showcasing new domestic cargo shipping routes. There is space for new, alternative solutions to be created and offered to Clients interested in this competitive market.
“To conclude, the most disappointing things related to SITL were the transport strikes by Air France and SNCF, the French national rail service, on the 3rd and 4th days of the conference. Attendance was significantly reduced simply because many visitors were therefore unable to reach the expo, continues Ms. Iwanowa-Kolakowska.
Foreign shippers see high potential in French markets
With a presence in COUNTRIES and active participation in international transport trade events, AsstrA systematically promotes sustainable development principles and social responsibility both within the company and with external Partners. AsstrA is a dynamic, modern, and forward-looking company. One of the keys to business growth is sustainable expansion into potential markets. France has been one of AsstrA’s top priorities for several years.
Dmitry Lagun, President of AsstrA Group, notes that in the region of France there are only a few transport market leaders, and it was possible to see them under one roof at SITL. “Our business meetings with other players were both productive and informative, as we learned more about current trends in logistics operations. I was happy to meet with representatives from TransContainer and other Partners, and I am looking forward to our mutual success in the near future,” shares Mr. Lagun.
