The FIATA World Congress 2018 (FWC-2018), which is being taking place from September 26-29 at Pulman Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi with the theme “The Future Starts Here” has kicked started with the presence of 1200 delegates from more than 130 foreign countries and across the country. The inauguration ceremony was addressed by Mr AV Vijaykumar, Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI); Mr. Neeraj Bansal, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT); Mr Robert A. Voltmann, Secretary General, FIATA; Mr Debashis Dutta, Past Chairman, FFFAI and Chairman, FWC-2018 and Mr Samir Shah, Mentor, FWC-2018. Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) is hosting this first ever international logistics conference in India.
Welcoming the Delegates Mr Vijaykumar said, “India after a long wait of over 50 years is privileged to host for the first time FIATA World Congress this year. We are proud of this combination of FFFAI and FIATA to be the partners of globally the most significant logistics event.” He pointed out that Federation of Freight Forwarders Association of India is recognized by the Government of India as the sole representative of Exim related cargo activities and a constituent of the various consultative committees of numerous Ministries like Finance, Shipping, Aviation, Commerce, Highways. FFFAI represents 28 Associations of Custom Brokers across the country as Members with over 6000 Associate Members providing half a million direct jobs and over a million indirect jobs opportunities in the country.
According to him, the economic might of a nation is defined by the logistics capabilities of a country due to its vital and significant role in pre and post production activities. Success of any industry or industrial growth is measured by the capacity to have a seamless supply chain management. There have been significant changes in the method of the logistics service and the scope of activities are ever expanding.
“Global slowdowns and stunted economic progress are not deterrent to growth. On the contrary they are the cornerstones of innovation and redefining movement of revolutionary changes. It is a wakeup call for course correction, to shift gear and explore new avenues. For the past years, world has become a vortex of uncertainties and thus is a challenge. This has compelled the industry to deliberate new ideas, new approaches and to be relevant in the industry,” he added. In his opinion, FWC-2018 in India would herald a new beginning of Indian freight forwarding and logistics industry.
Mr Voltmann emphasised on FIATA’s contribution and commitment towards global freight forwarding and logistics industry. He also commended FFFAI’s efforts to make this event a great success.
In his inaugural speech as Chief Guest Mr Bansal underscored India’s growing economic scenario and capacity building exercises from the government of India as well as private players, especially for physical infrastructure of port, airport, highways, railways, hinterland connectivity, coastal shipping, inland waterways, etc. He also highlighted the crucial policy initiatives from the government of India to facilitate ease of doing business and international trade in consultation with industry players.
Mr Dutta conveyed his gratitude for the remarkable support FFFAI received from the government, its various departments and industry stakeholders. “We are excited to announce that FWC-2018 registered close to 1200 delegates from across the world, which is indicating a remarkable sign considering the growth of future logistics industry in India. The theme of FWC 2018 “The Future Starts Here” was very apt if the responses FFFAI received is taken into account,” added Mr Dutta.
During the FWC-2018 there would be about 20 Business Sessions, which are being attended by some 70 eminent speakers from international logistics industry, apart from representatives from Government of India, WCO, renowned personalities, etc. In addition there are about 1000 scheduled B2B meetings to be participated by more than 500 delegates.
Commenting on the impact of this mega show which is full with business interactions and amusement programmes, Mr Shah maintained that it would not only boost up traditional companies, it also inspire start-ups and young entrepreneurs, who account more than 30 per cent at this event.
At this event FFFAI also organised an exhibition participated by about 60 exhibitors from logistics industry.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by Main Forum Session. Moderated by Mr Samir Shah, the Keynote speaker of this session was Mr S Ramesh, Chairman, CBIC. Also spoke at this session were Mr Ross Thompson, CCSO, Abhdhabi Ports; Turhan Ozen, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines; Dr Nancy Nix, ED Emeritus, AWESOME and Luc Anthonie De Blieck, Deputy Director, Trade Facilitation, WCO.
In addition, there were Regional Sessions to discuss issues and opportunities in Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa & Middle East, Europe and India.
INSTC to spurt international trade and logistics business: Commerce Secretary
Speaking at a jam-packed conference on International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) on Tuesday, 25th September, 2018 at Pullman Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi, Dr. Anup Wadhawan, Commerce Secretry, Government of India maintained that there would be tremendous boost to exim trade between India and West Asia and European countries using INSTC route in the days to come. FFFAI jointly with Ministry of Commerce & Industry organised the conference, which coincidided with FIATA WORLD CONGRESS 2018. The conference was also attended by Senior Bureaucratic, Diplomats from Embassy of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and CIS countries; Mr Stanley Lim, Past President, FIATA; Mr Samir Shah, Past Chairman, FFFAI; Mr Shankar Shinde, EC Member of FFFAI; members from EXIM fraternity & delegates from India, Russia, Iran and CIS countries.
The North-South Transport Corridor is an ancient route that connects the South Asia with North Europe for centuries. This route was used by European, Indian, Russian and many other foreign traders. These traders played a significant role in managing the trade and commerce between Russia and South East Asia through the territory of present day Azerbaijan and Iran. Currently, 14 countries are connected with INSTC route. “We have very strong traditional connections with these 14 countries and I am sure there will be huge trade transactions soon an effective logistics set up established. Our Government is committed to make the INSTC initiative a big success,” stated Mr Wadhwan.
Mr Shah lauded Government of India’s efforts in this regard and highlighted various initiatives including trial run, study works, etc from FFFAI during last couple of years. He pointed out that meanwhile FFFAI’s study highlighted various dimensions of connectivity between India, Russia and other CIS Countries. The study examined in particular the INSTC, its current status and future prospects. It explained the problem areas of this corridor and provided options for facilitating efficient transport logistics between India and the Eurasian region. The FFFAI study argues that so far the full potential of this corridor has not been realised and the sector is still untapped which can be further explored for opportunities by all stakeholders. Mr Shah, however, expressed high optimism about the present stage and future development of INSTC route. Focusing on the importance of regional trade initiatives Mr Lim pointed out the success story of ASEAN. “We are very much hopeful that INSTC would be encouraging for multimodal logistics industry in this region as well,” he said.
According to Mr Shinde, INSTC Conferences in India provide huge opportunities to enlighten on streamlining documentation for seamless movement and open up many competitive optional route in CIS countries and Russia which will result in enhancing trade and open new avenues for LSP (Logistics Service providers). Previously, FFFAI organised similar conference in Mumbai and planning to organize INSTC conferences in other parts of India.
Young Logistics Programme at FWC 2018 witnesses tremendous responses from start ups
The Young Logistics Professional Programme (YLP), which was organised by FFFAI today at FIATA World Congress-2018 (FWC-2018) venue Pullman Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi received huge responses from some 136 start up freight forwarding and logistics companies. FWC-2018 is taking place here from September 26-29 with the theme “The Future Starts Here”, which will be formally inaugurated by Mr Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Government of India on September 26, at 9am.
At the inauguration the YLP event was addressed by Mr Stanley Lim, Chairman, FIATA World Congress; AV Vijaykumar, Chairman, FFFAI and Mr David Phillips, Founder and CEO, Freight Systems. They were unequivocal to maintain that this pioneering YLP event would create a new history in the Freight Forwarding and Logistics industry in India in wooing start ups and young entrepreneurs.
Commenting on this event Mr Tej Contractor, EC Member, FFFAI, informed that the first ever YLP programme was highly encouraging and motivating. “The learning from YLP through innovative, thought-provoking and at the same time amusing ways has been our prime focus and I am sure participants received tremendous boost in shaping up their future business strategies,” said Mr Tej. In his opinion, one of the biggest challenges in today’s Logistics Industry is the Skill shortages facing the logistics industry. “Learning is the necessity of Life. The Young Logistics Program (YLP) is to provide our youth with a global perspective of our Industry currently and where it’s going. Disruption is the name of the game. So at the YLP we showcased the disruptive technologies that have changed and will change our industry,” he added.
Later, three key speakers from start-up companies: Mr Shekahr (Lynk), Mr Raghavendran Viswanathan (FreightBro) and Mr Sanjay Tiwari (21CC Education), who elaborated on aggregation of trucking, aggregation of freight forwarding and e-logistics learning for seamless and cost effective freight forwarding and logistics operation.
In addition, the learning process was demonstrated by game: “Business on the Move”, all about Transporting Freight, Making Profit, Buying and maintaining Assets and most importantly understand the value chain.
The game performed with around 130 individuals divided into different teams, who will played a round of 16 followed by a round of 4 and to select the Finalists for the Grand Finale.