FFFAI’s 61st AGM: Pioneering India’s Logistics Revolution

A Grand Convergence in New Delhi

Maritime News India : On September 30, 2024, the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) marked a significant milestone with the conclusion of its 61st Annual General Meeting at the iconic Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi. The event brought together a vibrant mix of government officials, logistics industry leaders, and representatives from various trade associations and Chambers of Commerce, all united by a common goal: to elevate India’s logistics sector.

Setting the Stage: Pre-AGM Discussions

Prior to the AGM, FFFAI hosted its 7th Executive Committee meeting, courtesy of the Noida Customs Brokers Association. This gathering fostered robust discussions among members, focusing on critical trade issues and exploring innovative solutions. FFFAI Chairman Dushyant Mulani took center stage, addressing the pressing challenges faced by the industry today. He highlighted the urgency of skilling both current and prospective workforce members, emphasizing FFFAI’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs through educational programs in collaboration with IIM Mumbai and FIATA.

Engaging Dialogues with Government Officials

The AGM featured an insightful Open House session where senior government officials shared their perspectives. Notable addresses included:

• Sanjay Swarup, CMD of CONCOR, and Akhil Khatri, Principal Commissioner of Customs, who outlined the critical importance of public-private partnerships in positioning India as a global air cargo hub.
• Surendra Ahirwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, applauded FFFAI’s contributions to policy frameworks that bolster multimodal logistics development, calling for greater industry involvement in the ambitious infrastructure plans ahead.
• R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, addressed the impact of geopolitical events, such as the Red Sea crisis, revealing a staggering 40–60% rise in shipping costs and delays extending up to 20 days.

Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

Rekha Raikar Kumar, Member (Finance) of the Land Port Authority of India, spotlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the logistics sector. She praised FFFAI’s Women’s Wing for its dedicated efforts and urged industry leaders to break down barriers that hinder women from entering this vital field.

Akhil Khatri further emphasized FFFAI’s central role in streamlining business operations for the Exim trade, underscoring its significant contribution to India’s GDP and the government’s vision of achieving a $5 trillion economy by FY 2027-28, alongside the broader aspiration of a developed India by 2047.

Embracing Technology and Future Trends

Industry veterans, including Sanjiv Edward, CEO of Cargo & Logistics at GMR Group, and retired Commissioner of Customs Sharad Srivastava, echoed the importance of technological adoption and infrastructure advancements in facilitating both domestic and international trade. They highlighted the potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, along with emerging product markets, as pivotal drivers of India’s logistics growth.

A Vision for Tomorrow

In his welcome address, Chairman Dushyant Mulani articulated FFFAI’s strategic initiatives aimed at digital transformation, skill development, and fostering international collaborations. He reaffirmed the federation’s ongoing dialogue with various ministries—including Finance, Commerce, Civil Aviation, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Home Affairs—emphasizing a collective commitment to enhance trade facilitation.