India can become global air‑cargo hub with govt-industry collaboration: Experts
New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a preferred global logistics and air cargo hub, supported by expanding manufacturing, a growing digital economy, modern logistics infrastructure and progressive policies, a statement said on Thursday citing experts.
Sanjiv Edward, President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and Chief Executive Officer – Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group at an ACFI World Conclave said achieving 10 MMT air cargo vision will require collective leadership, innovation and sustained collaboration across government and industry.
Edward said that the world is entering a new era of trade where speed and efficiency must be matched by resilience, adaptability and collaboration which presents India a huge opportunity.
The statement from industry body Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) said the conclave brought together policymakers and leaders from air cargo, aviation, logistics and trade to focus on infrastructure, policy, connectivity and industry collaboration.
It featured an exhibition and a ministerial roundtable which focused on infrastructure, policy, connectivity and industry collaboration needed to achieve 10 MMT air cargo ambition.
The conclave aims to turn meaningful dialogue into practical solutions that strengthen supply chains, unlock new trade opportunities and reinforce India’s position in global commerce.
“India is at a defining moment in its logistics journey, with investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, multimodal connectivity and policy reforms creating the foundation for the country to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and Head Cargo – Air India Limited.
“As trade patterns shift and supply chains become increasingly complex, resilience, connectivity and collaboration will be critical to sustaining growth and responding to emerging opportunities,” Mamidala said.
Industry and institutional stakeholders explored areas of collaboration at the conclave, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Logistics Shakti Enterprise (LSE) for strategic collaboration to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s perishable logistics, air cargo and export ecosystem.
Another session examined the role of stronger bilateral relationships and trade corridors in facilitating investment, improving connectivity and enabling businesses to access international markets more efficiently.
Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman, ACFI Event Task Pillar and Director, Grace Group, said that global trade is being reshaped by changing manufacturing bases and supply chains, creating an opportunity for India to strengthen bilateral trade corridors and position its logistics infrastructure as an enabler of global business.
—IANS
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