Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday said nations that successfully connect competence with infrastructure, trust with technology, and stability with growth have a bright future, while underlining the growing importance of the logistics sector in India’s economic transformation.
Addressing the 6th Executive Committee Meeting of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI), organised under the aegis of the Odisha Customs Brokers Association in Puri, the Governor said the logistics sector is not merely about transportation of goods but also about connecting aspirations, empowering businesses, generating employment, and strengthening national prosperity.
Congratulating Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India for its contribution to the country’s trade and logistics ecosystem, he said the organisation has emerged as the apex body representing customs brokers and freight forwarders across India and is supporting thousands of professionals and enterprises engaged in facilitating international trade.
The Governor said freight forwarders and customs brokers often remain behind the scenes but play a crucial role in nation-building through customs compliance, logistics management, multimodal transportation, and trade facilitation, which help keep the economy moving smoothly.
Stating that organisations like FFFAI would have a vital role as India aspires to become a $5 trillion economy and a global manufacturing hub, he stressed the need for stability, innovation, and coordinated action between government and industry amid geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, rising freight costs, and uncertainty in global shipping routes.
Highlighting several initiatives of the Government of India, including the National Logistics Policy, PM Gati Shakti, digital customs processes, and alternative trade corridors, the Governor said these measures are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
He further noted that Odisha has emerged as a major logistics and maritime hub in eastern India, with ports such as Paradip Port, Dhamra Port, and Gopalpur Port accelerating connectivity and industrial development.
Calling for strengthening the country’s economic security, the Governor urged participants to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of economic self-reliance or Atmanirbharta. Referring to the EV charging infrastructure at Lok Seva Bhavan, he encouraged greater adoption of electric vehicles and heavy electric vehicle alternatives.
