1st Edition of Logix India 2019 opens with unprecedented turnout, setting pace for global logistics trade

Inaugurating the first edition of Logix India 2019 at New Delhi on January 31, 2019, Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Suresh Prabhu said that the commerce ministry is working on draft national logistics policy, aimed at promoting seamless movement of goods across the country and reducing high transaction cost of traders. The draft policy will be placed to seek stakeholders’ views. The Commerce Minister added that workshops will be organised to seek views on the draft. The proposed policy would also focus on increasing the warehousing capacity, and identify gaps that could be bridged to bring down the cost of logistics for traders. The Commerce Minister reiterated that high logistics cost impacts competitiveness of domestic goods in the international markets. He also said that the Ministry is working on several steps, including development of a national logistics portal to boost both domestic and foreign trade. The main departments involved in the process include Railways, Shipping, Road Transport, Civil Aviation and Customs. He further added that improvement in logistics sector would help boost trade and economic development. Mr N Sivasailam, Special Secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce said that the key is connectivity and Logistics is all about connecting people and connecting India with other parts of the world. Apart from developing Logistics Portal, Mr Sivasailam said that Department of Logistics is also working on developing logistic tool which collects virtual heat maps or logistics data which can help to improve and strengthen business. Over 130 International Logistics and Freight Forwarder companies attended the inaugural session of first LOGIX INDIA 2019 to develop superior trade linkages with India in the form of partnerships, joint ventures and 100 per cent foreign entities. "LOGIX INDIA is FIEO's major initiative for improving International trade logistics from India and we are optimistic that business interactions will open new vistas for Indian Exim Trade in challenging markets." said Mr Ganesh Kumar Gupta, President, FIEO. Mr Gupta further added, "FIEO would like to make efforts in reducing the product delivery cycle for exports/imports and this requires sustained efforts in making our supply chains more efficient and transparent. With logistics players having an extensive footprint, businesses can now spread their wings far and wide." "Doing Business with CIS countries has always been challenging for Indian exporters. We are getting Logistics Business delegations from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and we are hopeful on reaching new breakthroughs," mentioned Dr Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO. This will also push traffic through INSTC route, a better alternative which is cost effective and saves time. "Delegation from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq and ASEAN are attending LOGIX INDIA as well and Indian exports should get a new impetus from these markets. As logistics becomes multimodal, Indian freight companies would need partnerships for Overseas Warehousing, Railways, Road, Aviation and Marine transportation and FIEO has been able to get all potential partners for them at this event," concluded Dr Sahai. Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana are showcasing India Investment opportunities and this should encourage overseas companies to set up their India operations. The 3-day event being organised at Hotel The Lalit, New Delhi, will witness over 500 leading Indian and International organisations attending the meet.