FFFAI’s 61st AGM in New Delhi saw key discussions with top officials on trade, logistics, and workforce skill development.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of its 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 30, 2024, held at Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi. The event saw the participation of a distinguished panel of government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from various trade associations, aiming to address key issues affecting India’s logistics and supply chain sectors.
The AGM was preceded by FFFAI’s 7th Executive Committee (EC) meeting, hosted by the Noida Customs Brokers Association. The EC meeting witnessed active discussions on critical trade challenges, with members proposing potential solutions to overcome current obstacles. FFFAI Chairman, Dushyant Mulani, led the discussions and addressed key issues facing the trade today. He particularly emphasised the importance of skilling both the existing workforce and the emerging pool of potential professionals in the logistics sector.
Highlighting the federation’s focus on education and skill development, Mulani drew attention to FFFAI’s educational initiatives. These initiatives aim to foster first-time entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with renowned institutions like IIM Mumbai and FIATA. Mulani also stressed the need for industry research on improving the effectiveness of trade facilitation measures implemented by the Government of India, such as faceless assessments. This research will be conducted in collaboration with premier academic institutions.
Open House with Government Officials and Industry Leaders
The highlight of the AGM was the Open House session, where prominent government officials engaged with industry leaders to discuss collaborative measures to address challenges in logistics and trade. The session featured key addresses from:
- Sanjay Swarup, CMD, Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)
- Akhil Khatri, Principal Commissioner of Customs, ICD Dadri, Ministry of Finance
- Surendra Ahirwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
- Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Sagar Kadu, Director, Logistics, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Rekha Raikar Kumar, Member (Finance), Land Port Authority of India, Ministry of Home Affairs
Veteran industry experts, including Sanjiv Edward, CEO of Cargo & Logistics, G Group, and Sharad Srivastava, retired Commissioner of Customs, also provided their insights.
Key Highlights from the Open House
- Government-Industry Collaboration:
. Piyush Srivastava emphasised the importance of a strong partnership between the government and the logistics industry, with a particular focus on positioning India as a global air cargo hub. He lauded FFFAI’s contributions to fostering such collaborations, which are essential for long-term growth. - PM Gati Shakti Master Plan:
. Surendra Ahirwal discussed the ambitious PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, highlighting the pivotal role of industry involvement in realising its potential. He applauded FFFAI for its active role in shaping policy frameworks that promote the development of multimodal logistics in India. - Port Infrastructure & Geopolitical Impact:
Addressing the challenges posed by recent geopolitical events, such as the crisis in the Red Sea region, R. Lakshmanan highlighted the impact on global trade. He noted that shipping costs have surged by 40–60 percent, while delays of up to 20 days have become common. Furthermore, insurance premiums have risen by 15-20 percent. Lakshmanan emphasised the need for infrastructure advancements to mitigate these challenges and ensure the continued growth of Indian ports. - Women’s Participation in Logistics:
Rekha Raikar Kumar from the Land Port Authority of India underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in the logistics sector. She commended FFFAI’s Women’s Wing for its initiatives aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in logistics. Raikar Kumar urged industry leaders to address barriers that prevent women from entering and thriving in this vital sector. - Exim Trade and National Economy:
Akhil Khatri emphasised the critical role played by the Exim (export-import) trade in India’s economy. He highlighted FFFAI’s efforts in enhancing ease of business for Exim players, thereby contributing to India’s GDP growth. . Khatri linked these efforts to India’s ambition of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by FY 2027–28 and the broader goal of a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047.
Industry Perspectives
Industry experts like Sanjiv Edward and Sanjay Swarup offered their perspectives on the future of logistics in India. Both highlighted the increasing adoption of technology and the importance of infrastructure development in facilitating both domestic and international trade. They also emphasised the potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, along with emerging product markets, in driving the next phase of growth in India’s logistics sector.
FFFAI’s Continued Contributions
In his welcome speech, FFFAI Chairman Dushyant Mulani highlighted the federation’s continuous efforts in digitisation, skill development, and increasing the participation of women and youth in the logistics industry. He also noted FFFAI’s ongoing collaborations with various government ministries, including Finance, Commerce, Civil Aviation, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Home Affairs, to ensure seamless trade facilitation. FFFAI continues to be a driving force in shaping policies that enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of India’s logistics sector.
The 61st AGM concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing optimism about the future of the logistics industry in India, driven by strategic collaborations, policy reforms, and a skilled workforce.
