‘Change is vital for the future’
AV Vijaykumar, the recent Chairman-elect, FFFAI, focuses on the changes happening in the industry. According to him, to enable change in mindset would be a task which will be the focus for the near future.
Iam unequivocal about the changes in mindset that Indian Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders should be striving for. And, it is far more relevant when the landscape of this sector is changing phenomenally. Changes are too rapid and adopting these is a challenge. We are moving towards a trust based business environment with less paper, lesser physical interaction and least intervention, Vijaykumar clarified.
He pointed to the facts that presently there is huge transformation as regards to shipment processing. From a manually driven procedure, there is a drastic shift to a process driven system. The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) has accelerated this requirement and Indian Customs have taken the lead. AEO, SWIFT, DPD, DPE are few illustrations of changing dynamics of the international transport business, he explained. In his opinion, these initiatives from the CBEC have a strong impact on the logistics industry, especially the customs brokers. To touch briefly, we can perceive that specific amendments to Sec 46 and 47 of Customs Act ’62 will have a bearing on the performance of the customs brokers and the importers given the fact that the responsibility of the shipping lines or the consolidators are not fully covered by these amendments, he underscored.
Consultative process necessary
Vijaykumar feels that the government policy makers should have a consultative process before any change is introduced and such effort should be meaningful with an open mind. Implementing agencies should prepare them ahead of any change and should be trade-friendly.
FIATA to witness best global talents
I am bullish about the positive impact of FIATA World Congress 2018 to be held from September 25-29 in New Delhi. FIATA World Congress 2018 is destined in New Delhi through tireless efforts of FFFAI for the past few years. It is an event of global significance not only for the logistics sector but the entire cross section of manufacturing and service industry. When the best of global talents assembles under a single roof to share their thoughts, the results have to be positive and this is what FFFAI is endeavouring to achieve, Vijaykumar shared. He has also appealed for support from the government to the Congress to make the event a great success, for the country’s ex-im trade’s point of view as well.
Presently there is huge transformation as regards to shipment processing. From a manually driven procedure, there is a drastic shift to a process driven system