FFFAI Silver Jubilee Convention kicks start with Goa Tourism & IT Minister as Chief Guest
GOA : The 25th Biennial Convention of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) started in presence of more than 700 delegates and their spouses on May 29, 2025 at Taj Citade De, Goa. The Inauguration of the 3 days Convention from May 29 to 31 was addresses by Mr. Rohan Ashok Khaunte, Minister for Tourism & IT Government of Goa as Chief Guest; Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Charman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) as Keynote Speaker; FFFAI Charman Mr. Dushyant Mulani; Immediate Past Chairman and Convention Chairman Mr. Shankar Shinde; Chairman Elect Mr. Amit Kamat; Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, former Secretary General, World Customs Organisations; Capt. BVJK Sharma, CEO, Adani Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. and Mr. Niraj Ambani, Group President, Reliance Industries Ltd.
Welcoming the dignitaries and delegates Mr. Shankar Shinde stated that FFFAI Convention is not only a gathering of cream of the logistics service providers, it makes declarations on the critical role being played by the industry stakeholders in shaping up the future of Exim trade as well as the country’s economy towards ‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047. “It’s a declaration that logistics is no longer back office — it is front page. It is that supply chains are not just pipelines — they are lifelines. And that we are the partners in supply chain freight and not just facilitators of trade. We are architects of transformation,” Mr. Shinde said.
According to him, collaborative and integrated logistics should be the way forward as the industry experienced from Covid Pandemic period. “We live in an era where geopolitics shapes supply chains, where data travels faster than cargo, and where partnerships — not products — determine performance,” he added.
1. Policy Synergy – Working with government to make regulation a platform, to facilitate.
2. Digital Fusion – Integrating with technology to bring agility, transparency, and scale.
3. Global Connectivity – Tapping into international trade corridors, FTAs, and market access to put India on the map — and at the helm.
4. Fraternity First – Learning from each other, backing each other, and rising together as a collective force.
In his opening address FFFAI Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani said that the logistics industry should also learn from the recent Defense exceresise called “Operation Sindoor” which was meticulously executed by India’s strong Defense logistics infrastructure and operations. “We are proud of our Defense Logistics set up and should convey the message to the world that India is also a strong logistics hub for the manufacturing Exim trade,” he asserted. He also underlined the importance of FFFAI as an association which has evolved and established to a umbrella organization of 31 Member Associations from across the country thanks to the wisdom and hard work of its predecessors during the past 62 years. The Federation is now focused on skill development through its training arm Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders and Women Wing to woo young entrepreneurs and enhance domain knowledge of the industry professionals. With this the Federation created significant career opportunities to freshers/aspirants. FFFAI is also closely working with the CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Ports & Shipping, Ministry of Civil Aviation and other allied Ministries, Government of India to facilitate the Exim logistics operations pan India. “With technology support like AI and global integration Indian logisticians should explore the global market aggressively.
The FFFAI Chairman also commended trade-friend initiatives of CBIC and Government of India which is focused on paperless transactions, digitisation and infrastructure building for world class logistics operations.
CBIC Chairman Mr. Sanjay Agarwal while delivering his Keynote Address highlighted the recent technology-driven trade facilitation initiatives in line with the National Logistics Policy and Ease of Doing Business mandates of the Government of India. He appreciated FFFAI’s contribution towards the endeavour of CBIC with a global outlook for the larger interest of the Exim trade. The CBIC Chairman pointed out the gradual improvement in cargo clearance time by significantly reducing dwell time at various ports and border check posts. He also highlighted India’s significant improvement in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), with a target to be within top 25 countries by 2030. It is pertinent to mention that India is ranked 38th out of 139 countries, according to the 2023 LPI report. The country’s logistics sector is also projected to grow significantly, reaching a market size of Rs. 42.35 lakh crore (US$ 484.43 billion) by 2029.
Mr. Agarwal also emphasised on proper data management/data analysis regarding the current scenario and future requiremenst of logistics services which may sourced by logistics service providers. ”With Industry collaboration CBIC is committed to Trade Facilitation and Ease of Doing Business adhering to the highest level of compliances and security,” he stated. The CBIC Chairman emphasized that due to the partnership between CBIC and FFFAI based the logistics industry would be immensely benefited.
According to him, Customs is very sincere in facilitating MSME by providing level playing field to this sector making Supply Chain Management seamless, uniform examination order by reducing physical examination, and ease in uploading online NOC to compete with global market. He shared the findings of National Time Release Studies which would support the Government in taking further trade facilitation measures. He informed that Customs is working for an Integrated System having the logistics stakeholders on board.
Dr. Kunio Mikuriya also emphasized on Public Private Partnership in trade facilitation as experienced across the globe. He commended Government of India and Indian Customs in this regard. He also recommended the Indian logistics industry stakeholders to focus on the IT initiatives to go with the global requirements based on the country’s strength in this sector. He also urged for data-driven trade facilitation measures.
While addressing the gathering the Mr. Rohan Ashok Khaunte, Minister for Tourism & IT Government appreciated FFFAI for organizing its Silver Jubilee Convention in Goa. Significantly FFFAI organized its first Annual Convention in Goa itself. He invited FFFAI to have strategic partnership with the Government of Goa to facilitate skill development initiative and create logistics infrastructure. He said that Goa is not about beach tourism, it is a lucrative destination for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference & Exhibition) tourism and manufacturing & logistics business. He pointed out that Goa has two airports which are well equipped with all facilities for cargo handling. He emphasized on synergy between the Govt. of Goa and FFFAI in IT initiatives, MICE Tourism and logistics services.
The Goa Logistics and Warehousing Policy, 2023, aims to develop a robust and efficient logistics ecosystem in the state, granting industry status to the sector. It focuses on leveraging Goa’s existing infrastructure (ports, airports, rail, and road networks) to create opportunities in warehousing and container logistics. The policy also emphasizes skill development, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability within the logistics sector.
In this Convention FFFAI felicitated Mr. Costa Fernandes, a brave officer who took down smugglers and paid a heavy price for justice. While introducing him, Mr. Amit Kamat, Chairman Elect FFFA highlighted that born on April 26, 1942, in Cabinda, Angola, Fernandes is an Angolan diplomat who has served as ambassador to Egypt, India, and the United Kingdom. However, it was his tenure as a Preventive Officer with Goa Customs beginning in 1979 that gained him recognition
Remarkably, based on the heroic activities during his stint as an honest and brave Customs officer, film star Nawazuddin Siddiqui starred a film ‘Costao’ on ZEE5. Mr. Costa Fernandes received the President’s Award in 1996 for his bravery. The film is inspired by the extraordinary life of Antonio Fwaminy da Costa Fernandes, who is widely known as Tony da Costao Fernandes. He was a fearless customs officer whose bravery left an incredible mark on Indian law enforcement history.
Mr. Sudip Dey, Hony. Secretary, FFFAI proposed a vote of thanks expressing his sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, Keynote Speakers, other dignitaries and all the delegates from across the country and overseas. He stated that the next two days would be very exciting thanks to insightful business sessions and beyond business sessions and entertainment prorgammes in the evening.
