The Federation of Freight Forwarders' Associations in India (FFFAI) successfully concluded its 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 30, 2024, at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi. The event brought together a wide array of government officials, logistics industry leaders, and representatives from various trade associations and Chambers of Commerce. The AGM was preceded by FFFAI’s 7th Executive Committee (EC) meeting, hosted by the Noida Customs Brokers Association, which saw robust participation from members discussing critical trade issues and potential solutions. Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani, touched upon all the critical challenges which the trade is facing today. He stressed on the need for skilling our existing workforce and also the potential workforce. The education wing of FFFAI, is geared up to ensure that they produce first time entrepreneurs through their various educational Models. The significant ones being the courses which are conducted in collaboration with IIM Mumbai and FIATA. He also stressed upon the various research papers with respect to the efficiencies of the several trade facilitation measures that the government of India has rolled out, like that of Faceless Assessments. These will be done in collaboration with premier Institutes. 

The Open House session of the AGM featured key addresses by senior government officials, including:

·      Mr. Sanjay Swarup, CMD, CONCOR

·      Mr. Akhil Khatri, Principal Commissioner of Customs, ICD Dadri, Ministry of Finance

·      Mr. Surendra Ahirwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

·      Mr. R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways

·      Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation

·      Mr. Sagar Kadu, Director-Logistics, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

·      Ms. Rekha Raikar Kumar, Member (Finance), Land Port Authority of India, Ministry of Home Affair

The session also included remarks from industry veterans like  Mr. Sanjiv Edward, CEO of Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group; and Mr. Sharad Srivastava, Commissioner of Customs (retired).

Key Highlights of the Session:

·      Government-Industry Collaboration: Mr. Piyush Srivastava stressed the importance of partnership between the government and industry, particularly in making India a global air cargo hub.

·      PM Gati Shakti Master Plan: Mr. Surendra Ahirwal emphasized the significance of industry involvement in realizing this ambitious infrastructure development plan, applauding FFFAI’s contributions to policy frameworks that support multimodal logistics development.

·      Port Infrastructure & Geopolitical Impact: Mr. R. Lakshmanan highlighted recent advancements in port infrastructure, noting how geopolitical issues, like the Red Sea crisis, have significantly impacted trade costs and delays. He revealed that shipping costs have surged by 40–60%, with delays up to 20 days, and insurance premiums rising by 15–20%.

·      Women’s Participation in Logistics: Ms. Rekha Raikar Kumar showcased initiatives by the Land Port Authority of India to enhance women’s involvement in the logistics sector, commending FFFAI's Women’s Wing for its efforts. She called on industry leaders to address barriers that restrict women from entering this vital sector.

·      Exim Trade and National Economy: Mr. Akhil Khatri discussed the central role of FFFAI in enhancing ease of business for the Exim trade. He underscored the Exim trade's contribution to India's GDP and its role in achieving the government's vision of a USD 5 trillion economy by FY 2027-28, and the broader goal of a developed India ("Viksit Bharat") by 2047.

Industry Perspectives:

Mr. Sanjiv Edward and Mr. Sanjay Swarup both highlighted the growing adoption of technology and infrastructure development in facilitating both domestic and international trade. They also emphasized the potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, along with emerging product markets, in fueling India's logistics growth.

FFFAI's Continued Contributions:

In his welcome speech, FFFAI Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani highlighted the federation's key initiatives, such as digitization, skill development, increasing women’s and youth participation in logistics, and fostering international collaborations. He highlighted FFFAI's active dialogue with various ministries, including Finance, Commerce, Civil Aviation, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Home Affairs, for their collaborative efforts in trade facilitation.

FFFAI Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani (9th from left) along with guest speakers and dignitaries at the Open House of the 61st AGM