Guest Speakers emphasise on changing role of Custom Brokers at the 63rd Foundation Day of FFFAI in Bengaluru

Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) celebrated its 63rd Foundation  Day on December 2, 2024 at Hotel Hyatt Centric, Bengaluru.

Office Bearers and Executive Members of the Federation from across the country and members of the Federation from Bengaluru attended this event in large numbers.

Mr. N. Sivasailam Special Secretary Logistics (Retd.), Government of India graced the event as Guest of Honour, while Mr. P.K. Agrawal Pr. Chief Commissioner, CGST, Bengaluru Zone graced the event as Chief Guest.

Advisors (Past Chairmen) of the Federation, Shri. P.S.Krishnan, Shri. R. Radhakrishnan, Shri. Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Shri. S.Ramakrishna & Shri. A.V. Vijaykumar were special invitees for the event.

Mr. Dushyant Mulani, Chairman - FFFAIis his opening address welcomedthe Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Advisors and Executive Committee Members present for the event.Stating that it was a proud moment for FFFAI, hereiterated commitment of the Federation offurther strengthening its vision of facilitating the trade, protecting custom brokers and empowering the fraternity with knowledge, skill development and training. He maintained that with the strength of its 31 Member Associations and close relationship with CBIC the Federation’s endeavour would be to closely work with the Government in reaching the goal of ‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047. Federation felicitated, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour with a bouquet of flower and shawl.

 Advisors (Past Chairmen) Mr. P. S. Krishnan, Mr. R. Radhakrishnan, Mr. Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Mr. S. Ramakrishna, and Mr. A.V.Vijaykumar addressed the gathering, sharing their thoughts and experiences. They admired the proliferation of FFFAI and appreciated its efforts in strengthening and protecting custom brokers and facilitating the EXIM trade. On this occasion all the Advisors were felicitated at the hands of Guest of Honour and Chief Guest for their contribution to the Federation.

Addressing the FFFAI Members on this occasion, Mr. Sivasailam urged FFFAI to position itself as a viable Institution in leading the logistics industry segment, so that Customs as well as all allied ministries treat it as an integral part of the Government. Thereby it would be able to attract global manufacturers, logistics players and businesses to this country. “It is commendable FFFAI has achieved many milestones during its 63 years’ journey. Now this is the time to go with version 2.0 to multiply the impacts and achievements. Custom Brokers should be focused on innovations to play the desired role of Knowledge Partners of their customers, i.e exporters & importers,” said Mr. Sivasailam, the 1st Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

Mr. P.K. AgrarwalPr. Chief Commissioner, CGST, Bengaluru Zone highlighted his long relationship with FFFAI and Customs Broker community at large. He especially acknowledged the support received from FFFAI during Covid period in streamlining cargo operations across the borders. “Customs Broker Community has been the major factors behind the success of my professional career. Their domain knowledge and innovative ideas helped me to resolve many critical issues with ease, particularly during Covid pandemic. I am happy that Customs Brokers have been now recognized by the Government as an integral part of logistics operations. Recognition of Custom Brokersis not only defined by the CBLR, but also by their unparalleled services which is a prerequisite to strengthen the economy of the country,” he said. Mr. Agarwal has been the architect of the CBLR 2013 and CBLMS, to reach the Customs Broking profession to a new high. He shared that soon the Customs Broker license, which is being issued online now, will be issued with the QR Code. He stated that the logistics industry has tremendous growth potential, and this sector is now the second job creator after agriculture.

Federation also felicitated all the 31 member associations of the Federation for their unstinted support and contribution for all these years leading to its success.

Honorary Secretary, Mr. Sudip Dey delivered the Vote of Thanks. He conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour who are not only renowned for their foresights and contributions concerning the logistics industry in India, but also for their eloquent and motivational speeches. He also conveyed deep appreciation of the Federation to the Advisors (Past Chairmen) for attending this event, which displayed their commitment to the Federation. All the Executive Committee members thanked Bangalore Custom House Agents Association for hosting the Foundation Day Event of the Federation in Bengaluru.