Gujarat Junction 2024 and Exim Star Awards 2024 sees the fraternity participate in insightful discourse and celebratory recognition
THE vibrant city of Gandhidham, Gujarat, played host to Exim India’s Gujarat Junction 2024 and Exim Star Awards 2024, the 14th edition, on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Radisson Hotel Kandla. It was once again a highly successful cargo and logistics congregation that drew top industry professionals, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, regulatory authorities as well as ex-im trade representatives (see box) from Gandhidham/Mundra, Vadodara and other regions of Gujarat, Mumbai and beyond, a mix of key public and private stakeholders. The event, which focused on the latest trends, challenges and innovations in cargo and logistics, featured two insightful Fireside Chats with leading industry participants and culminated in an exciting awards gala.
The theme of Gujarat Junction 2024 was: Gujarat - A New Era in Shipping, Ports & Logistics.
Engaging Fireside Chats
The event kicked off with two Fireside Chats that brought together some of the most influential figures in the cargo and logistics sector. The subjects chosen for the discussion were very relevant given the current scenario, and in the context of the overall theme.
The first Fireside Chat was on:
* Strategic Role of Gujarat Ports & Connectivity in India’s Global Supply Chain: A Comparison with Leading International Ports Moderated by Mr Ramesh Babu, MD, Seashell Logistics Pvt. Ltd., who also gave the welcome address, theme presentation and keynote address, it emphasised that Gujarat ports, which handle over 40% of India’s total cargo, will continue to lead in terms of efficiency and productivity, infrastructure development, ease of operation and, going ahead, sustainability.
The DFCs will undoubtedly be a game changer, facilitating logistics efficiency for industrial hubs, ICDs and CFSs, train operators etc. Here the feeder routes are also important. Double-stack operation on the WDFC is a huge advantage, for the overall economics, transit time, dwell time and freight costs, it was pointed out. The final section of the WDFC remains to be completed, which could happen next year or in 2026.
India needs more such freight corridors, which should precede freight supply, for their impact on the business ecosystem throughout the country, was another point made.
Antwerp Port’s success was attributed to the vision of its founders and planners over the years, with focus on industry-led development, private players operating terminals, value-added services, multimodal connectivity including through pipelines, impetus on digitisation, and sustainability. The port is continuously scaling up, it was highlighted.
Initiatives like DPA and DPD, in fact, present opportunities to CFSs, rather than negatively impacting their business, for infrastructure outside the port continues to be important. So CFSs will remain an integral part of container ports. Multimodal Logistics Parks being the current focus, maybe CFSs will transform into MMLPs and prioritise value-addition.
From the exporters’ point of view, every port should be able to expeditiously load and unload cargo, have shore cranes for better efficiency, ensure that dirty and clean cargo are properly segregated, and have adequate back-up space. Fast turnaround is very important, it was emphasised.
The topic of the second Fireside Chat was:
* Digital Transformation, Seamless Supply Chains and Focus on Sustainability as facilitators of India’s International Trade The broad spectrum of digitisation and automation are the future of cargo and logistics, it was stressed in this session, which was moderated by Mr Samir J. Shah, Director, JBS Jeena Logistics. There was talk about factories and warehouses having small scanners in future, robotic planning, integration of all software so that the software does everything, driverless vehicles, 3D printed warehouses etc., all of which will take efficiency to a new level. Instead of ‘just in time’, it will be ‘manage it time by AI’ in the future, it was emphasised.
All the players in cargo and logistics are actively implementing automation and digitisation, be it ports, shipping lines or the wider fraternity, in cargo handling and movement, booking, billing, tracking, safety and more. And the trade is accepting the changed scenario as it understands the benefits.
It was also highlighted that Kandla Port was highly efficient, with speedy loading and discharge of cargo, even when there was much less automation and the technology was basic. Today, a port like Mundra is among the best in the world. The Gujarat model in ports is exemplary, it was pointed out.
The importance of the IMSBC Code in bulk cargo handling and movement was explained, as also compliance and adherence to the various global standards, protocols and mandates that India is part of.Gujarat also has advantage in manufacturing, with its many industrial zones, prominent SEZs and an effective industrial policy, it was pointed out, which complements its efficient logistics, excellent cargo handling facilities including MMLPs, and global connectivity.
Another area touched upon was the critical importance of the right skilling for logistics players, especially in this era of fast-changing technology. Adoption of green logistics was also stressed.
The stars shone at the awards
The Exim Star Awards 2024 that followed was a glittering ceremony that celebrated the achievements and contributions of key players among companies and individuals in the cargo and logistics industry. The evening was filled with anticipation and excitement as awards were presented in various categories, recognising performance, innovation, operational efficiency, leadership and continued success.
Mr Dhiren Mehta, promoter of Mehta Group-AD Mehta Clearing Agency and Mehta Consultancy Services, received a standing ovation when he came up to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Late Mr Tushar Anam of V. Arjoon Shipping Pvt. Ltd was posthumously felicitated for his invaluable contributions, unwavering commitment and significant impact on the cargo and logistics industry over the decades. His son Mr Jai Anam accepted the memento.
Key organisations were also felicitated on the occasion:
* Kandla Customs
* Mundra Customs
* Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Members of the Awards Jury present were
felicitated too. Another highlight was a Lucky Draw that saw 3 winners take home an exciting prize.
The event also provided a perfect platform for networking, as attendees mingled and celebrated their shared passion for advancing the logistics industry.
With its insightful deliberation, notable perspectives and a celebratory recognition of excellence, Gujarat Junction 2024 once again underscored the state’s pivotal role and status as a key hub in the domestic and global logistics landscape.
source: Exim News Service : GANDHIDHAM, Dec. 23