NEW DELHI: FIATA WORLD CONGRESS ( FWC 2018 ), the World’s leading Logistics Conference is taking place in India for the first time. Hosted by FFFAI (Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India) from September 26-29, 2018 the inauguration of the event will held at on Sept 26 at 9 am at Pullman Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi.
Addressing a press conference on September 25, Mr Debashis Dutta, Chairman FWC-2018 informed that the Congress will be inaugurated by Mr Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Shipping and Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. Among other esteemed speakers to address on this occasion would be Mr. Babar Badat, President, FIATA; Mr. Robert Voltmann, Secretary General, FIATA; Mr. A. V. Vijayakumar, Chairman, FFFAI and Mr Debashis Dutta, Congress Chairman, FWC-2018. The theme of FWC 2018 is “The Future Starts Here”.
Mr Dutta also informed that Mr Suresh Prabhu, Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Government of India will address the gathering at Main Forum of FWC 2018. At this Main Forum Mr S. Ramesh, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC); Mr Ross Thompson, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports; Mr. Neeraj Bansal, IRS, Chairman, JNPT; Mr. Luc de Blieck, Deputy Director, World Customs Organization, Mr. Turhan Ozen, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines would also deliver Keynote addresses at this mega event.
Prior to that Mr. Samir Shah, Mentor, FWC-2018 will deliver opening remarks. The Press conference was also addressed by Mr AV Vijay Kumar, Chairman, FFFAI; Mr Samir Shah, Mentor, FWC-2018; Mr Stanley Lim, FIATA Congress Chairman; Mr David Phillips, Vice President, FIATA and Ms Elena, Manager, Congress & Marketing, FFFAI.
Mr Shah also informed that in addition to more than 70 eminent logistics industry practitioners and experts, renowned author Mr Devdutt Patnayak, and CMD of Medanta the Medicity Dr Naresh Trehan will also speak at FWC-2018.
The FWC-2018 in New Delhi will be attended by more than 900 delegates that include more than 500 Indian and 400 international delegates from more than 130 countries.
This mega event takes place every year across the world and is the greatest platform in the field of Logistics and Freight Forwarding Industry. In FIATA World Congress 2018 major industry stakeholders would be from Shipping Lines, Airlines, Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Ports, Airports, ICDs, CFSs, Terminal Operators, Technology Service providers, etc. In addition, Participating Government Agencies and different Ministries of Government of India would also take active part in various sessions in this event.
Meanwhile, apart from Industry stakeholders, FWC-2018 Organising Committee have received tremendous support from Government of India and its respective Departments under Ministry of Shipping, Finance, Commerce, Tourism, External Affairs, Home Affairs, Civil Aviation, MSME, etc.
In Business Sessions Speakers from Government of India include Ms. Vandana Aggarwal, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Mr. Sanjiv Garg, Additional Member (Tourism & Catering) Railway Board and others.
The Session speakers from the Industry include Mr. Karan Adani, CEO, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones (APSEZ); Mr. Samir Chaturvedi, CEO, KIZAD, Abu Dhabi Ports; Mr. Sebastian Saez, Lead Economist, World Bank Group; Mr. Ankur Huria, Senior Trade Logistics and Facilitation Specialist, World Bank Group; Mr. Alejandro Gamboa-Alder, Senior Trade Specialist, World Trade Organization; Ms. Andrea Gruber, Head, Special Cargo International Air Transport Association (IATA); Mr. Ashwin Bhat, Head-Cargo, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd; Ms. Kirsten De Bruijn, Vice President, Cargo Pricing and Interline, Revenue Optimisation, Emirates Sky Cargo; Dr. M.R. Venkatesh, renowned Advocate, and others.
“It this edition of FWC our prime focus is to make all Business Sessions very innovative with world’s top class speakers providing insights and excitements about logistics business,” Mr Shah added.
Commenting on the theme of “FWC-2018” Mr Shah pointed out that Logistics is the backbone of every economy, providing efficient, customer-centric and cost-effective flow of goods on which all commercial sectors depend. The sector comprises shipping, port-services, warehousing, rail, road and air Freight, express cargo and other value-added services. Optimal use and integration of these services is essential for a seamless supply-chain. The global logistics market currently generates over USD 8 trillion annually and represents around 11% of global GDP.
India remains one of the fastest growing economy and market in the world. The Indian Freight transport market is expected to record a CAGR of 13.35% by 2020, driven by the growth in the manufacturing, retail, FMCG and e-commerce sectors. International trade is likely to remain the major drivers for Freight Forwarding and transportation companies. Indian Government’s focus is on improved transportation infrastructure, industrial and economic reform initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, and ‘Skills India’. These coupled with trade facilitation measures and infrastructure capacity building would promote growth of International business, which is the key to drive growth opportunities for Indian Logistics Service Providers (LSPs).
“FIATA World Congress New Delhi 2018 will help the Freight Forwarding industry realize the untapped growth opportunity within their supply chains for doing business in India. End to End global logistics solutions, customer centricity, new business opportunities - the future for a global logistics network starts here,” he underscored.
According to Mr AV Vijaykumar, Chairman FFFAI, FWC 2018 would introduce the Indian logistics industry to the process followed by over 130 Countries, which will be participating in the event. The practices adopted for cross border trade in different parts of the world will be available in a single platform under single roof for the Indian counterparts to exchange notes. “It would also give a flavor of best business practices globally. It would offer a business opportunity for the Indian industry to expand their services to other nations through B2B events,” he added. During the FWC 2018 FFFAI is signing an MOU with “HIVE”. He also said, “ASEAN is of great economic significance and interest to Indian business. As one of the world fastest growing economic trading blocks, it makes sense for businesses in our economy to enhance India’s trading links with the region. Hive’s rapid growth since its launch last year presents a glowing prospect for increased India-ASEAN trade. We are happy that Hive now gives our members the connectivity to the ASEAN trading economy”.
One of the major attractions of this event is the One-to-One B2B meetings. Meanwhile, a large number of delegates have registered themselves for the B2B session to meet up with their counterparts, i.e Customs Brokers; Freight Forwarders and other service providers from different countries.
“We are honoured that FIATA has selected India as its World Congress 2018 venue. FWC-2018 is a huge opportunity to Indian freight forwarders and logistics industry to expand their business partnering with overseas counterparts. FFFAI has created this opportunity for the first time in the history of freight forwarding & logistics industry in India, and industry practitioners should avail of the same by connecting themselves with world trade and logistics market,” maintained Mr Dutta. He also emphasised on showcasing brand India through this mega event. He stressed upon the fact that FWC would have huge impact on promoting Brand India, as an ideal destination for manufacturing and logistics hub.
Commending FFFAI’s tremendous efforts to organise the FIATA World Congress meticulously for the first time in India, Mr Lim stated that India is on the verge of manufacturing and logistics revolution thanks to its population, demography and consumption power in addition to trade facilitation measures and capacity building exercises from the Government of India. “Global logistics players are very keen to invest and expand their operation to India. FWC-2018 provides huge opportunity to attain their goal,” said Mr Lim.
