The Diamond Jubilee celebration of FFFAI held on June 9, 2023, addressed the theme “FFFAI Transcending Boundaries, where Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasised the need for collective and individual initiatives to bring significant changes to the exim trade ecosystem, supporting India’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.
Highlighting the crucialness of custom brokers/freight forwarders, he recommended initiatives for a transparent business environment to assist the government. He also mentioned the government’s initiatives to eliminate physical interfaces that increase transaction time, such as the introduction of a one-hour online grievance addressing mechanism by the DGFT office.
Encouraging young entrepreneurs to envision a new India driven by innovative ideas and modern technology, he said, “The world is looking towards the success story of India and this century is going to be India’s century.”
He unveiled the FFFAI Diamond Jubilee Souvenir, Coffee Table Book, and eBL (e-Bill of Lading) aimed at benefiting the exim trade. He also felicitated individuals for their outstanding contributions, including Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni for strengthening national security, posthumously awarded Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra for his dedicated service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and George Abrao for his significant work in developing the logistics industry.
The event was also addressed by Vivek Johri, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). “The relation between FFFAI and Customs is very strong which is evident from the fact that both FFFAI and Customs Act are celebrating their completion of 60 years’ journey in facilitating the exim trade,” he said.
International representatives, including Ivan Petrov, President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), and Seisaku Okafuji, Managing Director and President of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Association (IFCBA), were also present at the event.
Shankar Shinde, Chairman of FFFAI, also expressed his views by telling, “The 60 years’ journey of FFFAI demonstrates the rich history of FFFAI. The Diamond Jubilee event of FFFAI gives an opportunity to honour the past performance and envision the prospects for fraternity growth contributing to the Nation’s growth. On this occasion FFFAI is Honouring the past, Celebrating the Present and Welcoming the Future.”
