Going by the number and quality of speakers and attendees at the recent conference organized by the Association of Maritime International Commercial Interests & Expertise (AMICIE) in Chennai on the 3^rd of Sept, it is only fair to say that this Chennai-based maritime think-tank, barely 6 years of age now, has firmly established itself as a group that intends meaningful action in the maritime & allied arenas.

The opening session witnessed a warm welcome by the AMICIE Secretary & Conference Convener Mrs. Vinita Venkatesh, and opening remarks by the President Capt Suresh Amirappu, who went on to outline the macro difficulties and overwhelming odds that the sector is burdened with.

Taking the Logistics bull by the horns, speaker after speaker, some through pre-recorded messages, led by the honourable Chief Guest, Mr. N Sivasailam, Former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India, brought out the many lacunae and pitfalls that the Indian logistics trade faces today.

Sivasailam however got quickly to the solutions bit, suggesting that the industry create a common digital platform, from where key information and data can be tapped by the subscribing logistics players to advantage. Presently no such platform is available. However, he was insistent that such a platform be Indian and independent, but may be linked later with other global ones.

No dearth of woes for this sector however; be it trucking, training, lack of parking space in cities & townships, inadequate warehousing, questionable financial practices, insufficient air-cargo space, deficient packaging, ship delays, undependable availability of containers, serious fluctuations in fuel prices and currencies, the inescapable malaise of corruption, poorly planned and ill-maintained infrastructure, and an overall fragmented approach to putting policy recommendations to the local and central government bodies.

The big, minor and micro sources of cost leakages and supply chain interruptions were also given wide focus by the speakers who ranged from the various transportation modes, including road, rail, air and of course, sea.

Aptly titled, ‘Increasing India’s Logistics Competitiveness’, the conference has given a select committee the responsibility to produce a white paper based on the deliberations held here on the challenges faced by this sector and the many suggestions for a path to relief ahead.

The Taj Club House, a modern conference facility, was the venue selected for this power-packed event, and the lunch and high tea received a thumbs up from the attendees.

To help keep the attendees stay charged through the day, a quiz contest and a lucky draw followed each of the 5 sessions.

Founder & Past President, Capt S Pullat had the last word in thanking the speakers, the organizing committee, the convener, the present office bearers, and the various team members. He appreciated all the sponsors for having supported the event so generously.

AMICIE is inspired by the Latin ‘Amicus Curiae’, meaning ‘Friend of the Court’. It remains a well funded organization of more than 50 professionals, which includes international members from Singapore, the USA, the Middle East, Hong Kong and Australia, among other nations.

Marex Media