AS S OC IATION PRE S I D E N T MAKING THE DIFFERENCE FIDIs Asia-based Affiliates are rightly proud of the regions singular approach to doing business as well as its food, sights and culture. There are big differences in regulations between its countries, too, and competition, though friendly, can also be intense. Eric Lim, President of FIDI Asia, speaks to FIDI Focus about the rewards and challenges of operating out of Asia and plans for the FIDI conference in Osaka, Japan FF: What is your role as president of FIDI Asia? Eric Lim (EL): I am here to promote Asian cultures to the FIDI world. My role is to help communicate information from FIDI head office to companies under FIDI Asia and to represent them at bi-annual Delegates Meetings alongside the FIDI Board and other association heads. ERIC LIM, OF ASIAN TIGERS GROUP, AND PRESIDENT OF FIDI ASIA FF: What is special about working as a mover in your region of the world? EL: Asia is so diverse we have many cultures, different languages, and a great variety of food, art and religion. And the rules can be quite different between the many countries we represent we need to make sure we communicate these differences to the rest of the Affiliates so they know what they should be doing and how they should be sending shipments in and out of these countries. FF: FIDI Asia is the largest FIDI Association with more than 60 Affiliates, spanning several countries. What are the challenges you face as president of such a large association? EL: First of all, with the number of companies and agents involved. Most of them are competitors with agents working with one or two other companies in other Asian countries. So, although we all get on, competition between us is very strong. There are also WW W. F I D I. O R G FF295 FebMar20 pp46-49 FIDI Assoc.indd 47 Merlion, Singapore many borders, different customs rules, and different ways of doing business and, accordingly, expectations are different. However, I dont face many problems, I just leave them to do what they know is best for their company. FF: What in your view is particular to the Asian moving market? EL: I believe each of our companies brings more to the table than most other companies in the FIDI community. In fact, sometimes we do too much, as we all wish to please shippers in order to gain more business. So there really are no rules over what a mover can provide; each one wants to do more to promote their own service and gain that extra work. FF: What are the key differences in moving between the countries in your region? EL: The biggest differences are the customs procedures and what you can and cannot bring into that country. Also, what does and doesnt incur duty: all shippers want is for us to get the goods to the customer no matter what it takes and therefore sometimes expect us to circumvent the rules. However, we need to make sure we stick to each countrys rules. In the eyes of some, not following the rules is the norm but there are huge penalties when one doesnt do this. 47 21/01/2020 15:39