Int’l training highlights sustainable practices in logistics sector
Mekong Institute (MI) in Thailand started the International Training on Green Freight and Logistics Development.
The two-week training programme was held at the MI Residential Training Centre until August 29, 2018 and also involved a structured learning visit in Bangkok on August 30 and 31.
The training programme, which aims to promote awareness of the importance of sustainable practices in the transport and logistics industry, brings together 19 participants from various countries spanning three continents: Burundi, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Panama, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia. Sri Lanka representing Chitral Jayawarna, Deputy Chief Manager( Communication and Public Relation) Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Addressing the participants , MI Executive Director Dr. Watcharas Leelawath said: “With capacity building, we want to also push forward for policy change. We have to make the real change by linking with the policy-maker so they are informed of good policy and strategy options. As you come from the government sector, and then you are one of the instruments to make this change happen.”
He also added that the training serves as an excellent opportunity to likewise learn the good practices of the private sector. He explained that the private sector is the growth engine of the economy and if the logistics industry grows, then business and employment will also prosper. “There are multiple benefits from the change in the policy,” he remarked.
Trade Investment and Facilitation (TIF) Department Director Madhurjya Kumar Dutta also stressed the importance of ‘green’, which remains at the core of the training programme. He explained that with globalisation and the increase in cross-country investments, there is also a heightened demand in transport and logistics. Such demand, he noted, constitutes about 40 to 60 percent of the freight in the road transport sector.
“This is also one of the major contributors in the carbon emissions. Transport and logistics is a crucial issue then, and in fact it features in at least 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is an important area for us to contribute through different activities. Training is one of these areas,” he explained.