FFFAI’s Silver Jubilee Convention in Goa sees engaging deliberation, stress on collaborative and integrated logistics
The 25th Biennial Convention of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI), held at Taj Cidade De, Goa, concluded on May 31, 2025, after three days of engaging discussions and industry collaboration. The event brought together key cargo and logistics stakeholders from India and across the globe to explore the current landscape and future outlook of the sector.
Participants delved into the impact of technology on logistics, global best practices, and strategies for resilience in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. The convention featured focused sessions covering infrastructure growth, digital transformation, and international trade dynamics, offering attendees valuable insights and networking opportunities with experts from diverse regions.
The event commenced with the presence of more than 700 delegates and their spouses on May 29, 2025. The Inauguration was addressed by Mr Rohan Ashok Khaunte, Minister for Tourism & IT, Government of Goa, who was the Chief Guest; Mr Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Charman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) as Keynote Speaker; FFFAI Charman Mr Dushyant Mulani; Immediate Past Chairman and Convention Chairman Mr Shankar Shinde; Chairman Elect Mr Amit Kamat; Dr Kunio Mikuriya, former Secretary General, World Customs Organisation; Capt. BVJK Sharma, CEO, Adani Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd; and Mr Niraj Ambani, Group President, Reliance Industries Ltd.
Welcoming the dignitaries and delegates, Mr Shankar Shinde said that the FFFAI Convention is not only a gathering of the cream of the logistics service providers, it makes declarations on the critical role being played by the industry stakeholders in shaping the future of Exim trade as well as the country’s economy towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. “It’s a declaration that logistics is no longer back office — it is front page. It is that supply chains are not just pipelines — they are lifelines. And that we are the partners in supply chain freight and not just facilitators of trade. We are architects of transformation,” Mr Shinde emphasised.
According to him, collaborative and integrated logistics should be the way forward as the industry experienced during the Covid period. “We live in an era where geopolitics shapes supply chains, where data travels faster than cargo, and where partnerships — not products — determine performance,” he added.
Four-pillar vision
In his opinion, collaboration is no longer optional. It is the only option. When the industry speaks of enhancing strategic partnership, it is laying down a four-pillar vision:
* Policy Synergy – Working with government to make regulation a platform, to facilitate.
* Digital Fusion – Integrating with technology to bring agility, transparency and scale.
* Global Connectivity – Tapping into international trade corridors, FTAs and market access to put India on the map — and at the helm.
* Fraternity First – Learning from each other, backing each other, and rising together as a collective force.
In his opening address, FFFAI Chairman Mr Dushyant Mulani said that the logistics industry should also learn from the recent “Operation Sindoor” which was meticulously executed by India’s strong defense logistics infrastructure and operations. “We are proud of our Defense Logistics set up and should convey the message to the world that India is also a strong logistics hub for the manufacturing Exim trade,” he asserted. He also underlined the importance of FFFAI as an association that has evolved and established to become an umbrella organisation of 31 Member Associations from across the country, thanks to the wisdom and hard work of its predecessors during the past 62 years. The Federation is now focused on skill development through its training arm, Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders, and the Women’s Wing to woo young entrepreneurs and enhance domain knowledge of the industry professionals. With this, the Federation has created significant career opportunities for freshers/aspirants.
FFFAI is also working closely working with the CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Civil Aviation and other allied Ministries of the Government of India to facilitate Exim logistics operations pan-India. “With technology support like AI and global integration, Indian logisticians should explore the global market aggressively,” he said.
The FFFAI Chairman also commended the trade-friendly initiatives of CBIC and the Government of India, which are focused on paperless transactions, digitisation and infrastructure building for world class logistics operations.
Technology in trade facilitation
CBIC Chairman Mr Sanjay Agarwal, while delivering the Keynote Address, highlighted the recent technology-driven trade facilitation initiatives in line with the National Logistics Policy and Ease of Doing Business mandates of the Government of India. He appreciated FFFAI’s contribution towards the endeavours of CBIC with a global outlook for the larger interest of the Exim trade. He pointed out the gradual improvement in cargo clearance time by significantly reducing dwell time at various ports and border check posts. He also highlighted India’s significant improvement in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), with a target to be within the top 25 countries by 2030. It is pertinent to mention that India is ranked 38th out of 139 countries, according to the 2023 LPI report. The country’s logistics sector is also projected to grow significantly, reaching a market size of Rs 42.35 lakh crore (US$ 484.43 billion) by 2029.
Mr Agarwal also emphasised on proper data management/data analysis given the current scenario and future requirements of logistics services sourced by logistics service providers. “With industry collaboration, CBIC is committed to trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business adhering to the highest level of compliances and security,” he said. The CBIC Chairman stressed that the logistic industry would benefit from the partnership between CBIC and FFFAI.
He also made the point that Customs is sincere in facilitating MSMEs by providing them a level playing field, making supply chain management seamless, reducing physical examination, and enabling ease in uploading online in order to compete with global markets. He shared the findings of the National Time Release Studies, which would support the government in taking further trade facilitation measures. He informed that Customs is working towards an Integrated System, having logistics stakeholders on board.
Public Private Partnership and IT
Dr Kunio Mikuriya highlighted the importance of Public Private Partnership in trade facilitation across the globe. He commended the Government of India and Indian Customs in this regard. He also called on Indian logistics industry stakeholders to focus on IT initiatives as per global requirements, based on the country’s strength in this sector. He urged data-driven trade facilitation measures.
Strategic partnership with Goa
Minister Mr Rohan Ashok Khaunte, in his address, appreciated FFFAI for organising its Silver Jubilee Convention in Goa. Significantly, FFFAI’s first Annual Convention was also held in Goa. He invited FFFAI to have a strategic partnership with the Government of Goa to facilitate skill development initiatives and create logistics infrastructure. He stressed that Goa is not just about beach tourism, it is a lucrative destination for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference & Exhibition) tourism and manufacturing & logistics business. He pointed out that Goa has two airports which are well equipped with all facilities for cargo handling. He emphasised on synergy between the Govt. of Goa and FFFAI in IT initiatives, MICE tourism and logistics services.
The Goa Logistics and Warehousing Policy, 2023 aims to develop a robust and efficient logistics ecosystem in the state, granting industry status to the sector. It focuses on leveraging Goa’s existing infrastructure (ports, airports, rail and road networks) to create opportunities in warehousing and container logistics. The policy also emphasises skill development, technological advancements and environmental sustainability within the logistics sector, it was highlighted.
The occasion also saw FFFAI felicitate Mr Costa Fernandes, a brave officer who took down smugglers and paid a heavy price for justice. While introducing him, Mr Amit Kamat, Chairman Elect of FFFAI, highlighted that Mr Fernandes was born on April 26, 1942 in Cabinda, Angola, and was an Angolan diplomat who served as Ambassador to Egypt, India and the United Kingdom. However, it was his tenure as a Preventive Officer with Goa Customs, beginning in 1979, that gained him recognition Mr Costa Fernandes received the President’s Award in 1996 for his bravery, a fearless Customs officer who left an incredible mark on Indian law enforcement history.
Mr Sudip Dey, Hony. Secretary, FFFAI, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing his sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, Keynote Speakers, other dignitaries and all the delegates from across the country and overseas, said a release.
Source: Exim News Service: Goa, June 1