Container Freight Station Association of India completes 10 years

Container Freight Station Association of India (CFSAI) completed 10 glorious years on 10th September 2014, with a celebratory function held in Mumbai to commemorate the occasion. Established in 2004, CFSAI is an important association for the entire trade of logistics across Mumbai and surrounding regions, comprising leading CFS operators as its members.

In a vibrant and expanding economy like India, to sustain trade and boost imports as well as exports, critical infrasturcture such as ports as well as CFSs play an important role in facilitating seamless movement of EXIM cargo, to and from India. With India's economy projected to grow further with a renewed focus on infrastructure and manufacturing, India's ports and CFSs will play a vital role in feeding the demand of high rate of GDP growth and bring in the much required logistics efficiency within the country.

CFSAI as a modal entity representing the industry, is in the forefront of facilitating awareness about trade related policies, clarifications, liaison with customs, port authorities, shipping lines, various government entities and other stakeholders, with the aim to create seamless environment for trade in the region and resolve challenges. Over the last 10 years CFSAI has been instrumental in identifying bottlenecks and also creating a platform to discuss and arrive at a resolution amongst its members and other stakeholders to address the same, thus helping the trade overall to perform even in the midst of economic turmoil.

Also marking the occasion, CFSAI has brought back Mr. Adarsh Hegde as the President of the association to lead their charter through 2014-15. Previously Mr Hegde has served as the Vice President of the association for 3 years and as President for 4 years. Mr. Hegde is a renowned personality known for his wisdom well as acumen in the logistics space, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Mr. Hegde is also the executive director of Allcargo Logistics Ltd, a multinational leader in integrated logistics. Mr Hegde will lead a team of Vice Presidents, Secretary and a Treasurer of the association. CFSAI will also open its dedicated office soon. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Hegde said: "CFSAI will continue to play an active role to ensure that the entire logistics trade which is the backbone of India's economy, facilitates EXIM in our country. We will closely work with ports, custom, shipping lines, transporters and all stakeholders to make sure our economy benefits through the emerging growth opportunity and that we as an association play an instrumental role in achieving it".

One of the biggest challenges faced by ports as well as associations like CFSAI and other stakeholders of the industry, is the lack of adequate road connectivity and infrastructure which is required to facilitate smooth movement of EXIM cargo. Especially the condition of roads connecting JNPT has worsened in recent months due to rains. Pot holes and craters on roads is causing huge loses not only in time and resources but also in the competitiveness of exporters, importers, as well as ports and CFS operators. CFSAI has also committed to taking this challenge for resolution on a broader scale with all stakeholders.

Source : Equity Bulls

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