No.PR-164
March 1, 2019
New Delhi
GOVT. SEEKS INDUSTRY INPUT FOR ITS LOGISTICS & AGRI EXPORT POLICY, JS, LOGISTICS AT PHD CHAMBER
Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Anant Swarup on Friday asked India Inc. to submit its suggestions to the department for further improve the draft Logistics and Agri Export Policy which are already in the public domain before it gets finalized.
Addressing a National Conference on “Future of Cold-Chain Infrastructure in India” under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Swarup pointed out that the government is committed to apply an integrated approach for the aforesaid policies so that every nook and corner of the country is value chained with logistics and even agri exports so that farmers get fair deal for their produce and productivity.
He called upon the domestic industry present on the occasion asking that since both the logistics and agri export policy draft notes are in public circulation and consultation, there is still a scope for inviting suggestions from all stakeholders so that the policies as and when put in final shape have inputs and ingredients that can make this absolutely conclusive to serve the intended purpose.
Logistics, according to him are critical for the economic growth of the country and one of the objectives of such policy is to curtail drastically the logistics costs which currently hover around 14% of national GDP against the average logistics costs of world economies of scales of around 8-9 per cent. With reduced, logistics costs the margins of the farmers and producers would enhance and restrict the pilferage, thus the government is quite concerned for increased logistics and its commitment is to completely rationalize and make logistics competitive, pointed out the Joint Secretary.
Addressing on the occasion, CEO, NCCD, Mr. Pawanexh Kohli also informed that his Centre has been supporting the development of proactive policies and programmes including multiple subsidies to seek the effective participation of industry and all relevant stakeholders in setting up of logistics infrastructure through cold-chains so that the produce of the farmers stay live and is also not allowed to decompose and degrade.
Integrated approach towards logistics and promotion of agri exports are the priorities for the government and all efforts are being drawn towards this direction so that the multiple objectives of social welfare of the government of the day are achieved and accomplished.
Among others who were also present on the occasion comprised Vice President, PHD Chamber, Mr Sanjay Aggarwal; Chair, Roads, Ports and other Infrastructure Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr. Ashish Mohan Wig including its Principal Director, Dr Ranjeet Mehta.
Ends.
Koteshwar Prasad Dobhal
Consultant (PR)