Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders
(IIFF), which is a training arm of the Federation of Freight Forwarders
Association of India (FFFAI), opened its Eastern Region Chapter on February 3,
2024, by launching a training programme for the G Category Examination
candidates, which is the first of this kind for the entire Eastern Region. The
examination will be held this year for Bhubaneshwar Customs Commissionerate,
which is taking place after more than two decades.
The training programme was initiated by the Odisha
Customs Brokers Association (OCBA) in the august presence of Commissioner of
Customs (Preventive), Commissionerate, Bhubaneshwar Mr. Madhab Chandra Mishra,
IRS. The event was held on a virtual platform. It was also addressed by FFFAI
Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani; Chairman Elect Mr. Amit Kamat, Immediate Past
Chairman Mr. Shankar Shinde; Vice Chairman Mr. Puneet Jain; Hon. Treasurer
& OB In-charge, IIFF Mr. Sudhir Agarwal and IIFF President Mr. Tej
Contractor. Mr. Sudip Dey, Hon. Secretary, FFFAI moderated the launch programme
and Mr. Viren Dayal, Faculty Member IIFF conducted the first training
session.
In his address Shri Madhab Chandra Mishra
congratulated FFFAI, IIFF and OCBA and highly praised this landmark initiative
in respect of the exim trade facilitation in the emerging eastern region. He
commended OCBA for their endeavour in resuming the G Category Examination in
association with the Customs in Bhubaneswar Commissionerate emphasising on
requirements of skilling the human resources pertaining to Customs Brokers as
well as logistics industry segment. Mr. Mishra conveyed best wishes to the
aspirants who will be appearing in the forthcoming G Category Examinations.
According to him, the efforts of FFFAI, IIFF and OCBA in providing additional qualified
manpower in Odisha and adjoining regions, will help the entire logistics
community of the East India region and will be immensely beneficial.
The event was started with an inaugural
speech by the FFFAI Chairman FFFAI Mr. Dushyant Mulani. He expressed his deep
gratitude to Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Commissionerate,
Bhubaneshwar Mr. Madhab Chandra Mishra, for being very supportive to the
Customs Brokers community and consented to conduct the G Category Examination
after a very long time. Mr. Mulani shared how FFFAI has been playing a pivotal
role in the country in dissemination of knowledge and holding training courses
periodically for the benefit of the logistics industry. He also commended OCBA
president Mr. Sachidananda Pattanayak and other members of this FFFAI Member
association for their path-breaking initiative concerning the human resources
development by skilling the aspirants for the entire logistics industry. He
stated that IIFF would offer many more training courses to the students of this
region to make them efficient multipliers in strengthening the logistics
industry as well as the economy of this region.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Shankar Shinde
said there should be more professionalism in the logistics sector. This can be achieved
through imparting the required training to the candidates. This industry is no
longer an industry where people were associated by accident, but now it is by
choice. He highlighted the recent Government initiatives in terms of
announcement of policies and infrastructure development for the logistics
operations and exim trade facilitation. In his opinion, there are tremendous
opportunities in this sector for the aspirants. According to him, the question
remains how to professionalize this industry. This is possible only through
development of skill through required training.
Mr. Sudhir Agarwal highlighted the courses
offered by IIFF which is guided by the international organization FIATA
(International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association). He further shared
that IIFF has also tied up with various organisations and institutions to
strengthen the skill development initiatives across the country and is
recognized by the Government of India. He pointed out that candidates would be
benefited in two ways: having opportunities of being trained by IIFF and skill
development by working with logistics companies.
Mr. Tej Contractor pointed out the rapid
changes happening in the logistics industry, especially during the last 10
years. The government has set a target to become the third-largest economy in
the world with a GDP of $5 trillion in the next three years and touch $7
trillion by 2030 with the backing of continued reforms. There are huge
opportunities before the logistics industry in India and the logistics
professionals will have to gear up to accept the challenges. Training and skill
development would be the crucial aspects in this regard.
Congratulating OCBA for organizing the
important training for the G Category examination Mr. Amit Kamat emphasized on
enormous opportunities being offered by the logistics industry to make a
career. For this there is a need to enhance knowledge and skills to sail
through. In his opinion, skill development is the key to survival in this
dynamic industry, keeping in mind rapidly changing rules & regulations,
procedure, etc pertaining to exim trade and logistics operations. He wished
great success to all the students appearing in the ensuing G category
examination.
The day-long program was conducted thereafter by IIFF Faculty Mr. Viren Dayal. It was an interactive session with the students asking many questions and clearing many doubts. The training session ended with an assurance that IIFF will further assist in clearing doubts of the students, if any, till the date of the exam.
IIFF Eastern Region Chapter and training session launch event on virtual platform