Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders (IIFF), which is a training arm of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Association of India (FFFAI), opened its Eastern Region Chapter on February 3, 2024, by launching a training programme for the G Category Examination candidates, which is the first of this kind for the entire Eastern Region. The examination will be held this year for Bhubaneshwar Customs Commissionerate, which is taking place after more than two decades.
The training programme was initiated by the Odisha Customs Brokers Association (OCBA) in the august presence of Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Commissionerate, Bhubaneshwar Mr. Madhab Chandra Mishra, IRS. The event was held on a virtual platform. It was also addressed by FFFAI Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani; Chairman Elect Mr. Amit Kamat, Immediate Past Chairman Mr. Shankar Shinde; Vice Chairman Mr. Puneet Jain; Hon. Treasurer & OB In-charge, IIFF Mr. Sudhir Agarwal and IIFF President Mr. Tej Contractor. Mr. Sudip Dey, Hon. Secretary, FFFAI moderated the launch programme and Mr. Viren Dayal, Faculty Member IIFF conducted the first training session.
In his address Shri Madhab Chandra Mishra congratulated FFFAI, IIFF and OCBA and highly praised this landmark initiative in respect of the exim trade facilitation in the emerging eastern region. He commended OCBA for their endeavour in resuming the G Category Examination in association with the Customs in Bhubaneswar Commissionerate emphasising on requirements of skilling the human resources pertaining to Customs Brokers as well as logistics industry segment. Mr. Mishra conveyed best wishes to the aspirants who will be appearing in the forthcoming G Category Examinations. According to him, the efforts of FFFAI, IIFF and OCBA in providing additional qualified manpower in Odisha and adjoining regions, will help the entire logistics community of the East India region and will be immensely beneficial.
The event was started with an inaugural speech by the FFFAI Chairman FFFAI Mr. Dushyant Mulani. He expressed his deep gratitude to Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Commissionerate, Bhubaneshwar Mr. Madhab Chandra Mishra, for being very supportive to the Customs Brokers community and consented to conduct the G Category Examination after a very long time. Mr. Mulani shared how FFFAI has been playing a pivotal role in the country in dissemination of knowledge and holding training courses periodically for the benefit of the logistics industry. He also commended OCBA president Mr. Sachidananda Pattanayak and other members of this FFFAI Member association for their path-breaking initiative concerning the human resources development by skilling the aspirants for the entire logistics industry. He stated that IIFF would offer many more training courses to the students of this region to make them efficient multipliers in strengthening the logistics industry as well as the economy of this region.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Shankar Shinde said there should be more professionalism in the logistics sector. This can be achieved through imparting the required training to the candidates. This industry is no longer an industry where people were associated by accident, but now it is by choice. He highlighted the recent Government initiatives in terms of announcement of policies and infrastructure development for the logistics operations and exim trade facilitation. In his opinion, there are tremendous opportunities in this sector for the aspirants. According to him, the question remains how to professionalize this industry. This is possible only through development of skill through required training.
Mr. Sudhir Agarwal highlighted the courses offered by IIFF which is guided by the international organization FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association). He further shared that IIFF has also tied up with various organisations and institutions to strengthen the skill development initiatives across the country and is recognized by the Government of India. He pointed out that candidates would be benefited in two ways: having opportunities of being trained by IIFF and skill development by working with logistics companies.
Mr. Tej Contractor pointed out the rapid changes happening in the logistics industry, especially during the last 10 years. The government has set a target to become the third-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $5 trillion in the next three years and touch $7 trillion by 2030 with the backing of continued reforms. There are huge opportunities before the logistics industry in India and the logistics professionals will have to gear up to accept the challenges. Training and skill development would be the crucial aspects in this regard.
Congratulating OCBA for organizing the important training for the G Category examination Mr. Amit Kamat emphasized on enormous opportunities being offered by the logistics industry to make a career. For this there is a need to enhance knowledge and skills to sail through. In his opinion, skill development is the key to survival in this dynamic industry, keeping in mind rapidly changing rules & regulations, procedure, etc pertaining to exim trade and logistics operations. He wished great success to all the students appearing in the ensuing G category examination.
The day-long program was conducted thereafter by IIFF Faculty Mr. Viren Dayal. It was an interactive session with the students asking many questions and clearing many doubts. The training session ended with an assurance that IIFF will further assist in clearing doubts of the students, if any, till the date of the exam.
