India drives global logistics innovation with resilience and sustainability at FFFAI convention
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) recently hosted its 25th Biennial Convention in Goa, which featured two key sessions devoted to the pressing themes of logistics and sustainability. These discussions reflect a growing global awareness of the need for innovation and cooperation in the logistics sector, underscoring India's pivotal role on the international stage.
The first session, titled "A New Era in Logistics – India and the World," was moderated by Dr. Joshua Ebenezer and saw a diverse group of experts explore transformative trends in logistics. Shri Sumit Giri from Bhutan's Ministry of Revenue articulated the importance of regional connectivity, particularly for landlocked nations. His insights spotlight the strategic role India plays in facilitating trade and cargo movement across borders, a sentiment echoed by industry experts who highlighted the interconnectedness of the logistics landscape.
Mr. Oleg Puzynin from the Coordinating Council on Trans-Siberian Transportation presented an intriguing look into the India-Russia trade corridor. He detailed how multimodal transport systems, specifically railway and maritime routes, can be harnessed to create more efficient and cost-effective trade solutions. Meanwhile, John Martin, Chief Revenue Officer of Blychain Network, brought a technological focus to the discussion, illustrating how blockchain is revolutionising logistics operations with transparent and secure supply chain practices. This tech-driven approach resonates with a broader shift in which logistics practitioners are increasingly adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency.
Nora Dihel, a Senior Economist at The World Bank, added a macroeconomic perspective, stressing the necessity of policy reforms and digital integration to boost trade competitiveness. Her remarks underscore the crucial role of data-driven infrastructure investments in supporting emerging economies. The session concluded with insights from Vishal P Mehta, CEO of Rushabh Sealink, who championed collaborative efforts among government entities, global agencies, and private sector players to align Indian logistics with global standards.
The second session, "Building Resilience for Long-Term Sustenance," moved the dialogue toward future-proofing logistics against ongoing global disruptions. Mr. Anand Sheth of CKB Group moderated this segment, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in viewing technology not merely as an operational cost but as a vital investment in resilience. Amit Maheshwari, CEO of Softlink Global, urged attendees to embrace proactive strategies to design resilient logistics frameworks rather than merely react to disruptions.
Emphasising continuous innovation, Lenny Abrao of the Abrao Group reiterated that adapting to evolving circumstances while staying attuned to core values is essential in sustainable logistics. The discussion also covered the importance of collaboration and skill development, as mentioned by Nailesh Gandhi of Express Global Logistics, who posited that these elements are vital for a future-ready industry.
With the growing pressures of global trade and environmental sustainability, the takeaways from these sessions resonate with recent initiatives aimed at modernising logistics in India. Events such as the Multimodal Logistics Summit and the upcoming Global Pharma Logistics Summit also reflect a concerted effort within the industry to address similar themes of efficiency and sustainability, offering collaborative platforms for discussion and innovation.
As the logistics sector navigates through challenges posed by national and global demands, the themes discussed at the FFFAI convention underline an essential shift towards resilience, collaboration, and tech-driven solutions. True resilience is increasingly seen not merely as bouncing back but as an intentional design for future readiness, a message that echoes throughout the logistics community and in strategic policies being rolled out nationwide.