An online session on “Decoding the National Logistics Policy 2022” was held in association with Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM) Bangalore. ASA & Associates LLP were the knowledge partners for the programme. Mr. K.M. Harilal, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi was the keynote speaker. Mr. Himanshu Srivastava, National Head, Business Advisory Services, ASA & Associates LLP gave a detailed presentation on the topic. Mr. Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics India Private Limited also shared his views on the policy.

Mr. Harilal ITS, in his keynote address mentioned that India's logistics sector was comparatively lower than the global standard owing to poor infrastructure. He said that a large number of expressways, airports, seaports, logistics parks and other infrastructure developments are happening in the country. State governments are also taking initiatives in this regard. This will lead to significant reduction in logistics costs, with a seven-percentage decrease expected through this policy. He spoke about the 'Dedicated Freight Corridor' which connects the major centers in eastern and western parts of India. Through technological intervention and dedicated portals, the National Logistics Policy and initiatives such as PM Gatishakti aims to rectify and overcome the challenges faced by the logistics industry today.

Mr. Himanshu Srivastava gave an overview of the policy which was published by Ministry of Commerce in February 2019. It aims to promote trade, global competitiveness, reduce logistics costs, improve income and reduce economic inequality. He listed a few challenges that is faced currently by the logistics industry - complicated clearance procedures, lack of proper infrastructure, inefficiencies in warehousing etc. The policy implementation is being monitored by the National Council of Logistics, Apex Inter-Ministerial Committee, India Logistics Forum and Empowered Task Force on Logistics. It will focus on a few key areas such as - driving development of multi modal logistics parks, setting up logistics data analytics center, reducing cost and increasing efficiency for movement of key commodities, single window logistics e-marketplace, seamless movement of goods at Land Customs Stations and Integrated Check Points, creating a national logistics plan, strengthening warehousing sector and streamlining EXIM processes. A comprehensive logistics action plan has been formed to achieve this. He mentioned the 'Logistics Ease Across Different States' survey conducted to evaluate and improve the logistics sector in each state. A 'Unified Logistics Interface Platform' is being developed by National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation to converge and integrate the systems, APIs and fields across ports, shipping lines, waterways, railways, aviation, road transport, customs and DGFT.

Mr. Kamal Jain described the policy as a landmark event of the industry as well as the economy. He applauded the policy for bringing in state Government participation. Committees have been formed with the intention of improving the logistics performance index. He added that through creation of data platform like ULIP, information is available for direct use and secondary services. 

Mr. Vivek George, Sr. Manager, World Trade Center moderated the session. Mr. P. Sengottaiyan, Chairman IIMM Bangalore also spoke at the event.