Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday underscored the growing importance of the logistics sector in India’s economic transformation while addressing the sixth Executive Committee meeting of the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) in Puri.
The meeting was organised by the Odisha Customs Brokers Association (OCBA), where the Governor attended as chief guest and spoke on the evolving role of logistics in strengthening trade, employment and economic growth.
Highlighting global economic shifts, the Governor said countries that can successfully combine efficient infrastructure, trusted technology and sustainable growth are best positioned to shape the future. He stressed that India’s logistics sector is no longer limited to transporting goods but plays a much wider role in connecting aspirations, empowering businesses, generating employment and strengthening national prosperity.
Kambhampati congratulated FFFAI for its contribution to India’s trade and logistics ecosystem, describing it as a key representative body for customs brokers and freight forwarders across the country. He said the organisation continues to support thousands of professionals and enterprises involved in facilitating international trade.
The Governor also acknowledged the often unseen contribution of freight forwarders and customs brokers, calling them the “silent enablers” of commerce and nation-building. He said their expertise in customs compliance, logistics management, multimodal transportation and trade facilitation helps keep the wheels of the economy moving efficiently.
“At a time when India aspires to become a five-trillion-dollar economy and a global manufacturing hub, organisations like FFFAI have an important role to play,” he said.
Referring to challenges confronting global trade, the Governor pointed to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, rising freight costs and uncertainties in shipping routes. He emphasised the need for coordinated action, innovation and resilience from both governments and industry stakeholders to address emerging disruptions.
Kambhampati also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs, including the National Logistics Policy, PM Gati Shakti, digital customs processes and the development of alternative trade corridors.
Speaking about Odisha’s strategic position, the Governor said the state is emerging as a major logistics and maritime hub in eastern India. He noted that Odisha’s long coastline and ports such as Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur are accelerating industrial growth and connectivity.
The Governor also urged stakeholders to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening India’s economic security. Encouraging greener transport alternatives, he called for wider adoption of electric vehicles, including heavy electric transport systems, citing incentive-based EV charging arrangements at Lok Seva Bhawan as an example of sustainable transition.
FFFAI Chairman Amit Kamath delivered the welcome address at the event, while Odisha Customs Brokers Association president Harihar Das proposed the vote of thanks.
