... and logistics industry causes to address and resolve, as he did it in the past pertaining to issues on registration of CBLR.   

Acknowledging the tremendous contributions of FFFAI and logistics industry to the national economy as the key factors in moving cargo internationally, especially during difficult times like pandemic, he stated that the Prime Mister’s vision of being $5trillion economy by 2025 would not be possible without support from this industry. Moreover, 

for a successful implementation of PM Gati Shakti Master Plan the country would be requiring valuable services of the entire logistics industry. 

The Minister is the Member of Parliament from North Goa constituency and comes from a family associated with shipping business. “I am proud to know that Goa custom house Agents Association was the founder member of this FFFAI and Shri Krishna Kamat Mhamai, being the first Honorary Secretary of this federation. I am also glad to know that the first convention of this Federation was held in Goa and that late Shri. Dayanand Balakrishna Bandodkar, First Chief Minister of Goa was the Chief Guest of the Convention,” he said.

He also observed that with a glorious past of 60 years FFFAI organised its 24th Biennial convention which coincided with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating the completion of 75th year of independence of INDIA. 

Now FFFAI has become a force to reckon with providing yeomen of services to trade, industry and government.

The Minister highlighted FFFAI’s several notable contributions in the past in national and international customs clearance and logistics scenario and partnering with Government of India for various initiatives for timely clearance of import and export cargo at airports, sea ports, ICD, Lands customs etc. 

According to him, most notable contributions of FFFAI have been spearheading International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project in association with the Government of India; support to rolling out of Customs single window procedure; E-delivery order for shipping line and airline; Helping CBIC and DGFT to create digital working environment; Direct Port Delivery; Helping trade and industry to achieve export target of USD 400 Billion; Interaction with World Bank for achieving improvement in index of ease of doing business and working actively 

with Government of India for operationalization of 

Chabahar Port.

“Besides above, one of the most crucial roles played by FFFAI members, i.e. Customs Brokers, was during the Covid pandemic. Risking their lives, they operated like soldiers on war frontiers and ensured timely clearance of export and import consignment thus helping nation to maintain critical supply chain of goods and essential commodities, lifesaving medicines, etc,” Mr Naik highlighted. 

He also underlined the fact that the role played by 

FFFAI members is very essential as most of the companies are MSME and FFFAI Members generate considerable first-time employment opportunities for thousands of youth in the country.  

“With impetus on investment in infrastructure, thrust on Make in India, improving agricultural efficiency, this decade will be India’s decade of Logistics and I urge FFFAI Members to focus on expanding their capabilities beyond Customs Clearance to include other services. This will be step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat which will be crucial for national economy,” he emphasised.

The Minister pointed out that Customs Brokers often are encountered with regulatory risk while representing their client and he urged the Custom Authorities for providing due protection to Customs Brokers from taking any adverse action of license suspension in interpretative disputes pertaining to their client. “Their demand for holding tenets of principles of natural justice, that is holding a personal hearing prior to taking any punitive actions should be considered on top priority. I will make all efforts to support FFFAI Members for the same,” he observed.

He further informed that considering the current geo political situation, representations have been receiving from various quarters including FFFAI to create a national plea of container shipping lines and manufacturing of shipping container in India. In his opinion, this is a very valid suggestion and the same will be pursued in a right spirit.

“Once again on the occasion of 75th year of independence I urge all FFFAI Members to join hands and create a conglomerate which will serve not only trade and industry but also on global stage,” he concluded.

Earlier, welcoming the Minister, Mr Shankar Shinde, Chairman, FFFAI expressed gratitude to him for his support and affection for FFFAI as well as the logistics industry. He committed full support to the government’s initiatives on trade facilitation, digitalisation, face less mechanism and above all, PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, as without logistics industry support (the backbone of the economy) successful implementation of the same would be very difficult. Citing the examples of the services provided by the entire logistics industry during the Covid pandemic/lockdown period as frontline warriors, Mr Shinde pointed out the commitments from resilient logistics industry shown to resolve the national crises, time and again.

The Valedictory Session was also addressed by Mr A.V. Vijayakumar, the Convention Convenor and Immediate Past Chairman, FFFAI; Mr Amit Kamat, Vice Chairman, FFFAI; Mr RN Sekar, President, Chennai Customs Brokers Association and Mr Vinod Sharma, Honorary Secretary, FFFAI thanking all the Organisors, Members, Delegates, Sponsors, media partners and all supporters to make this event a grand success in presence of a full house of more than 600 delegates. He noted that there has been many milestones achieved during this convention thanking all the ministers- Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Minister of AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal; Shri Nitin Gadgari; Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and State Minister of Tourism and eminent speakers  from Government of India Officials and Private Sector for their presence and address during convention.