Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) celebrated its 59th Foundation Day and ushered in its Diamond Jubilee Year on December 2, 2021 during its 2nd Executive Committee Meeting held in Visakhapatnam. 

Mr K Rama Mohana Rao – IAS, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Trust inaugurated the 59th Foundation Day celebration and launch of Diamond Jubilee programme. Mr Shankar Shinde – Chairman, FFFAI welcomed Mr Rao and other dignitaries who graced the occasion. The event was attended by all Office Bearers, EC Members and Board of Advisors from across the country.

Mr K. Rama Mohana Rao, IAS, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Mr. Shankar Shinde along with Office Bearers and ECM cutting cake on the occasion of 59th Foundation Day and welcoming Diamond Jubilee year

The event was also attended and addressed by several Customs and other Government officials. 

Mr. BAV Srinivas, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, appreciated FFFAI’s partnering with Government of India and initiatives to facilitate the trade. He welcomed FFFAI to Visakhapatnam and was happy to note the milestone achieved by FFFAI and support to strengthen 28 Customs Brokers Associations.

Shri M Shrikanth, IRS, Jt. Commissioner of Customs during his address acknowledged the Customs Brokers contribution to facilitate the EXIM trade partnering with Customs. He also mentioned that the CBs should initiate the IT skill development in their role of facilitation measures.

Dr P.K.Gupta, Registrar, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and Dr. Nitin Seth from IIFT were also present during the event, addressed the audience and acknowledge the efforts taken by FFFAI in Logistics Sector and consented to sign an MoU between FFFAI and Centre for Trade Facilitation & Logistics (CTFL), on various researches in logistics sector with FFFAI’s presence at 28 locations in India.

On this occasion Mr. Shankar Shinde – chairman FFFAI appealed to all the logistics service providers to be part of FFFAI. He stated that FFFAI welcomes all Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) in EXIM trade to be part of FFFAI Membership on the eve of the Diamond Jubilee to have single voice of the Logistics sector.

 Several new initiatives were also announced by FFFAI at this event, which were as mentioned below:

  • FFFAI unveiled its Diamond Jubilee Logo, Flag and Calendar
Launch of Diamond Jubilee Logo and Flag
  • FFFAI launched its Diamond Jubilee News Letter- FFFAI Bulletin
Launch of FFFAI Newsletter
  • FFFAI signed MoU with Logistics Sector Council (LSC) on Skill Development
FFFAI signs MoU with LSC
  • FFFAI announced the ‘Young Forwarders Award 2022’ 
  • IIFF (Education Wing of FFFAI) launched:
    • IIFF-FIATA Diploma Course in Freight Forwarding 
    •  Course for Examination under Rule 6 of Custom Broker Licensing Regulations
Launch of IIFF Diploma Course -2

At this event FFFAI has also announced that the FFFAI Convention will be held from July 7 to 9, 2022 in Chennai. While making this announcement, Immediate Past Chairman, FFFAI Mr AV Vijayakumar appealed to all LSPs to participate in the FFFAI Biennial Convention

A Knowledge Session for the Members was also organsied by FFFAI, where Dr. Pramod Sant, Head-Import, Export & Customs, M/s. SIEMENS Ltd. made a presentation on ‘Customs Brokers New Opportunities’ which was much appreciated. In his presentation he emphasised on Changes in Business Environment; Impact on Customs Brokers; Opportunities and Way Forward.  

Dr. Pramod Sant, Head-Import, Export & Customs, SIEMENS Ltd speaking at the Knowledge Session
FFFAI Chairman Mr Shankar Shinde felicitating Dr. Pramod Sant, Head-Import, Export & Customs, SIEMENS Ltd

 

FFFAI Office Bearers and EC Members attending the Knowledge Session
FFFAI Office Bearers and Dignitaries on dais during the Valedictory Session

The event concluded with a Valedictory Session which was addressed by Mr Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS – Deputy Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust.

Mr Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS – Deputy Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust addressing at the Valedictory Session

FFFAI is the Apex Body and the Sole Representative of 28 Member Associations from all over India representing 6500 Customs Brokers and employing over 1,00,000 people controlling ninety per cent of India’s International Logistics Trade. 

FFFAI plays a prominent and significant role in Logistics. It is the only association in the Logistics Industry which has a representation on National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) constituted by the Government of India. FFFAI is also consulted on policies and initiatives of the Government with regard to Finance, Commerce and Logistics and has representation on various forums constituted by the Government for this purpose, such as Customs Consultative Group, SCOPE (Air), SCOPE (Shipping), etc. 

FFFAI is a member of International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), International Federation of Custom Brokers Association (IFCBA) and has representation on various committees of these associations.