MUM-20-02-23

MSC commits to achieve 100% Electronic Bill of Lading adoption by 2030

GENEVA:MSChascommittedtotransition to a fully standardized electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) by 2030, with an intermediate target of 50%withinfiveyears. Cont’d Pg.6

Milaha net profit rises 40% to QR 1.0 billion for full year 2022

DOHA : Milaha Maritime & Logistics’ net profit increased by QR 85 million compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to strong container shipping rates Cont’d Pg.6

...Refer Pg. 7

MSC commits to achieve 100% Electronic Bill of Lading adoption by 2030

• MSC has commied to transion to 100% use of electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs) by 2030, with an intermediate target of 50% within five years.

• MSC launched its own eBL soluon in April 2021, leading the way in the container shipping industry, and simplifying and speeding up the shipping experience for customers.

• Security is another major benefit, as the eBL ensures zero risk of documentary fraud, forgery or loss.

• The 100% eBL Commitment has also been signed by the eight other carrier members of the Digital Container Shipping Associaon (DCSA).

• This milestone moment will accelerate the digitalizaon of container trade.

Cont’d. from Pg. 3

This milestone moment represents a significant step forwardforthecompanyandourcustomers.

The eBL is the electronic version of the traditional, paper-based Bill of Lading (BL), one of the most important trade documents in container shipping. The eBL replicates the exact same functions as a paper BL, but in digital form, thereby offering a more efficient, secure and sustainable alternative.

“I am delighted that MSC is taking this big step towards paperless trade. Our pioneering MSC eBL solution has already transformed the shipping experience for numerous customers by making the process faster, simpler and more efficientthaneverbefore.

On top of these benefits, moving to 100% eBL will contribute towards our climate goals, as we move towards netzero2050,”said,SorenToft,CEOofMSC.

MSCeBL:thestorysofar

MSC was one of the earliest adopters of the eBL. Our MSC eBL solution was launched in April 2021 after a two-year pilot project in India and at a perfect time in the industry considering the delayed delivery of paper BLs duringtheCOVID-19pandemic.

Customers appreciate the convenience, speed and simplicity of MSC eBL, which is accessible 24/7 from any device or location. The technology enables eBLs to be transmitted in minutes, compared to days or weeks, leading to significant cost savings, faster payment processes and reduced administration for users. The switch to eBLs also directlyreducesthecarbonfootprintofallpartiesinvolved.

Offered via the blockchain-based WAVE BL platform, MSC eBL is fully secure. Documents are encrypted on upload and data is secured using automatic verification and

authentication, so there is no risk of documents ending up in the wrong hands. Blockchain-based transfer of data also helps to eliminate the risks of document forgery, theft or loss,ascomparedtothetransportationofpaper-basedBls.

MSC eBL is a key offering in our growing portfolio of digital solutions and a vital component of our vision for the paperlessandfrictionlessfutureofglobaltrade.

Joiningforcestoadvancepaperlesstrade

The 100% eBL Commitment has been signed by the eight other ocean carrier members of the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), representing a significant step forward in the digitalization of global container trade.

MSC is excited to join with the DCSA and the wider industry to commit to 100% adoption of a DCSA digital standards-based eBL, and to continue to play a role in makingthisgoalareality.

However,reachingtheambitioustargetof100%adoption will only be possible if the entire maritime supply chain is on board. This is why MSC and the other DCSA carrier members are asking that all stakeholders – from shippers and forwarders to governments, financial institutions and insurance agencies – work together to make this commitmentareality.

The digitalization of trade documents within the framework of DSCA standards holds great potential to remove friction in international trade, benefitting both the customerexperienceandtheenvironment.

While the eBL is on its way to becoming widely adopted, the change will also speed up the shipping process and facilitate the implementation of other forms of e-documentation (such as the certificate of origin and packinglist)inthefuture.

Milaha net profit rises 40% to QR 1.0 billion for full year 2022

• OperangrevenuesofQR3.285billionforthetwelvemonthsendedDecember31,2022,comparedtoQR2.784billionforthesameperiodin2021

• Operang profit before impairments of QR 487 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to QR 253 million for thesameperiodin2021

• NetprofitofQR1.013billionforthetwelvemonthsendedDecember31,2022,comparedtoQR724millionforthesameperiodin2021

• EarningspershareofQR0.89forthetwelvemonthsendedDecember31,2022,comparedtoQR0.64forthesameperiodin2021.

Cont’d. from Pg. 3

Milaha Gas & Petrochem’s net profit increased by QR 70 million compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to an increase in results from our associate companies, and gainonthesaleofdeep-seavessels.

Milaha Offshore’s bottom line increased by QR 196 million compared to the same period in 2021, driven by an increase in projects and vessel utilization, coupled with a reductioninvesselimpairmentexpense.

Milaha Capital’s net profit decreased by QR 69 million compared to the same period in 2021, due to an impairment recordedinthethirdquarterof2022.

Milaha Trading’s bottom line increased by QR 7 million comparedtothesameperiodin2021,comingfromincreased heavyequipmentandmarine-relatedproductsales.

Commentingonthecompany’sfinancialandoperational performance for the year ended December 31st, 2022, H.E. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber AlThani, Milaha’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “2022 marks the 65th anniversary of Milaha, and our strong financial results are a testament to our

resilience, commitment to customers, and to operational excellence. All our core business segments posted strong growth, which was enabled by favorable market conditions and our strategic focus on strengthening our operational foundation. I am confident that this same foundation will helppositionusstronglyforthefuture.”

Milaha’s Group Interim President & CEO, Eng.MohammedAbdullaSwidan added “2022 was a great year for Milaha. We were awarded significant new business, which enabled us to expand our operations. And we did so while maintaining the health and safety of our colleagues, onshore and offshore. I am thankful to my colleagues who made this happen through their hard work and dedication. I am confident we can continue to deliver strong sustainable results in the years to come due to our strong balance sheet androbustoperationalplatform.”

The Board of Directors decided to recommend to the General Assembly to distribute a 35% cash dividend of the par value of a share, equivalent to QAR 0.35 per share, representing a payout ratio of 39% of 2022 net profit.

VESSELS DUE AT NSFT/NSICT/NSIGT/GTI/BMCT FOR EXPORT LOADING

Gothenburg & Red Sea,

COSCO COSCO Shpg. U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian, Red Sea & Med. Ports.

Indial Indial Shpg. U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian, Red Sea & Med. Ports. Seahorse Ship U.K., North Continent, Scandinavian Ports & Riga, Klaipede, Tallim, St.Petersburg, Genoa, Valencia, Fos

Globelink Globelink WW U.K., North Continent, Scandinavian Ports & Ashdod, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Athens,

Unifeeder Group Unifeeder Ag. U.K., North Continent & Scandinavian Ports. Dron.2 & TLP

TSS L'Global Ag. U.K., North Continent & Scandinavian Ports. Dronagiri-2

AMI Intl. AMI Global U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian, Red Sea & Med. Ports. Dronagiri-3

Kalko Faredeal U.K., North Continent & Scandinavian Ports. Dronagiri-3

Team Leader Team Leader Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Barcelona, JWR CFS Le Havre, Istanbul, Genova.

Safewater Safewater Lines U.K., North Continent, Red Sea & Med. Ports.

Team Global Team Global Log. U.K., North Continent & Scandinavian Ports. Pun.Conware

20/0221/02 20/02 1200 Niledutch Lion 3307W N2161 265017-06/02 CMA CGM CMA CGM Ag.(I) Hamburg, Antwerp, London Gateway, Cagliari, Jeddah, Tangier. Dron-3 & Mul 27/0228/02 TBA TBA NYK Vesta 0078W N2243 Hapag ISS Shpg. U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian, Red Sea, & Med.Ports. ULA CFS 03/0304/03 TBA TBA Tsingtao Express 3309W COSCO COSCO (I) U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian, Red Sea & Med.Ports. 10/0311/03 TBA TBA Sofia Express 3310W ONE Line ONE (India) Hamburg, Tilbury, Antwerp, Red Sea & Med. Ports. 18/0319/03 TBA TBA Kyoto Express 3311W Gold Star Star Ship Hamburg, Antwerp, Tilbury. (IOS) Oceangate CFS 20/02 21/02 20/02 1200 MSC Azov IV307A N2217 265444-10/02 MSC MSC Agency Gioia Tauro, Valencia, Sines. (INDUSA) Hind Terminal 27/02 28/02 TBA 1200 MSC Silvia IV308A N2232 265618-13/02 06/03 07/03 TBA 1200 Northern Jumboree IV309A 22/0223/02 22/02 0900 MSC Mumbai VIII IU307A N2225 265185-07/02 MSC MSC Agency Haifa. (INDUS) Hind Terminals 24/0225/02 23/02 1200 MSC Ivana IS308A N2230 265615-13/02 MSC MSC Agency U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian, Red Sea & Med Ports. Hind Terminals 03/0304/03 02/03 1200 MSC Benedetta XIII IS309A SCI CMT Barcelona,Felixstowe,Hamburg,Rotterdam,Gioia Tauro, 10/0311/03 09/03 1200 MSC Eva IS310A U. K. North Continent & Other Mediterranean Ports. Himalaya Express NBCL Axis Shpg. Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp & All Inland Desti. Dronagiri-1 Service Allcargo Allcargo Log. U.K., North Cont., Scandinavian & Med. Ports. Dron. 2 & Mul. ICC Line Neptune Felixstowe, Hamburg,Rotterdam & other Inland Dest. GDL-3 & Dron-3 GLS Global Log. U.K., North Continent & Scandinavian Ports. JWR Team Leader Team Leader Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Barcelona, JWR CFS Le Havre, Istanbul, Genoa. Team Global TeamGlobalLog. U.K., North Continent & Scandinavian Ports. Pun.Conware TO LOAD

FOR U.K.,

Port Said, La Spezia, Genoa. Fos,

TO LOAD FOR USA, CANADA, ATLANTIC, PACIFIC, SOUTH AMERICAN & WEST INDIES PORTS from NSIGT

TO LOAD FOR USA, CANADA, ATLANTIC, PACIFIC, SOUTH AMERICAN & WEST INDIES PORTS from GTI

TO

FOR USA, CANADA, ATLANTIC, PACIFIC, SOUTH AMERICAN & WEST INDIES PORTS from BMCT

DUE AT NSFT/NSICT/NSIGT/GTI/BMCT FOR EXPORT LOADING

GULF PORTS From NSICT

TO LOAD FOR WEST ASIA GULF PORTS From NSIGT

TO LOAD FOR WEST ASIA GULF PORTS From GTI

Shpg. Jebel Ali, Sohar.

Feeders Sea Consortium Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas.

LMR Logistic Ser. Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas.

QNL/Milaha PoseidonShpg. Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas.

Cordelia Cordelia Cont. Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dammam,Jubail, Hamad, Baharin, Shuaiba, Shuwaikh, Sohar, Umm Qasr

Alligator Shpg. Aiyer Shpg. Jebel Ali.

BSS Bhavani Shpg. Jebel Ali, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Bandar Abbas. Ashte CFS

Seahorse Ship Gulf Ports.

LMT Orchid Gulf Ports.

Bay Line Freight Conn. Port Sudan & Al Sokhna

ICC Line Neptune UAE & Upper Gulf Ports.

Ceekay Parekh Gulf Ports.

Team Leader Team Leader Dubai, Jebel Ali

Team Lines Team Global Log. Gulf Ports.

TO LOAD FOR WEST ASIA GULF PORTS From BMCT

GDL & DRT

CFS

VESSELS DUE AT NSFT/NSICT/NSIGT/GTI/BMCT FOR EXPORT LOADING

TO LOAD FOR FAR EAST, CHINA & JAPAN PORTS from NSFT

TO LOAD FOR FAR EAST, CHINA & JAPAN PORTS from NSICT

VESSELS DUE AT NSFT/NSICT/NSIGT/GTI/BMCT FOR EXPORT LOADING

PORTS from GTI

TO LOAD FOR FAR EAST, CHINA & JAPAN PORTS from BMCT

0141E

0143E

Line Maersk India Pusan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam & Other Indland Destination. Maersk CFS

Lines TS Lines (I)

Pusan, Shanghai,Ningbo, Shekou & South East Asia

East & China Ports. China India Express Service (CIX/ICX)

Star Star Ship Singapore, Kwangyang, Pusan, Shanghai, Ningbo Ocean Gate Sinokor Sinokor India Port Kelang, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kwangyang, Seabird CFS Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo & Other Inland Destination.

02/0303/03 TBA TBA Najade E033 N2240 265801-15/02 Wan Hai Wan Hai Lines Penang, Port Kelang, Hongkong, Qingdao, Shanghai, Dron-1 & Mul CFS

09/0310/03 TBA TBA Kumasi E008

COSCO COSCO Shpg. Ningbo, Shekou.

HMM Shpg. Port Kelang, Singapore, Hongkong, Kwangyang, Pusan, Shanghai, Ningbo Seabird CFS (CI2) CU Lines Seahorse Ship Port Kelang(N), Hongkong, Qingdao, Shanghai.

TO LOAD FOR AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND PORTS from GTI

TO LOAD FOR EAST, WEST & SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS from NSFT

TO LOAD FOR EAST, WEST & SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS from NSICT

FOR EAST, WEST & SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS from NSIGT

TO LOAD FOR EAST, WEST & SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS from BMCT

TO LOAD FOR EAST, WEST & SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS from GTI

MUMBAI: Growing and diversifying merchandise trade itself says it all about the India's growth story, which continues to remain intact year after year as one of the fastest growing economies, said Dr A Sakthivel, President, FIEO. Though merchandise exports have seen some decline during the recent months mainly due to slowdown in the global growth process, rising inflation, volatility in currencies and continuous change in geo-political scenario,Indiahasmoresoremainedstableandresilientwith itsexportsshowingpositivetrendsbarringfewsectors,added FIEO President. Over 8.5% growth in the current fiscal so far is reasonable against the back drop of global headwinds and contracting global trade. FIEO President is also of the view that though the coming months are going to be little challenging unless both global economic growth and geopolitical situation improves drastically, however we will be on course to cross the previous year's goods export target quite easily touching almost USD 435-445 billion with a growth ofover3-5percentthisfiscal.

DrSakthiveladdedthatFIEOinitscontinuousendeavourto handhold and mentor the exporting community thereby promoting India's exports is celebrating its 58th Foundation Day on February 19, 2023. The Celebrations will start with several key Capacity Building Programmes organised across the country under One District One Product and District as ExportHubinitiativeoftheMinistryofCommerceandindustry, Government of India. Earlier, the Federation has successfully conducted over 100 such Capacity Building Programmes on a pan India basis during the last one year promoting more and morehandholdingandmentoringofexportersthroughtraining and skill development, thereby giving further boost to our exports. Over 1000 new exporters joined the mainstream foreign trade sector through such training programmes in districtsacrossthecountryexportinggoodsworthoverRs1500 Cr in a short span. The culmination of the three weeks-long eventswillbebyshowcasing“MakeinIndia”throughtheevent titledSOURCEXINDIA(March9-11,2023)atNewDelhifurther promotingBrandIndiaacrosstheGlobe.

SOURCEX INDIA 2023 (Reverse Buyer Seller Meet -

RBSM) will be India's first Global Market Place for promoting MakeinIndiabrandstogoglobal,coveringbothfood&non-food Fast-MovingConsumerGoods(FMCG)aswellasServices.The RBSM will help India companies to launch successful Indian brands to international markets. Besides, SOURCEX INDIA will also showcase India's select services, which have the potential to be franchised overseas. Further, it would also be highlighting our major focus sectors including Food, Pharma & Ayurveda, Handicrafts, Handloom, FMCG & FMCD, Gifts, Textiles and Allied Commodities. Over 250 buyers from across 35 countries and 7 regions representing supermarkets, hypermarkets,retailchains,importersandbuyinghouseshave already shown their interest and expected to participate in this megaevent,reiteratedDrSakthivel.

FIEO President also added that during the last 10 months, FIEO has represented India in 39 International shows (36 Physical and 3 Virtual) in various new & emerging markets including Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Portugal, Bangladesh, Japan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Poland, Romania and Cuba etc. through participation in International Expos in the respective countries.Besides,theFederationalsoorganised“BestofIndia Expo” at Dhaka, Bangladesh as a nodal agency of Department of Commerce and organised the first-ever business delegation to Philippines; International Conference on MSMEs with Speakers from Oman & Nepal and a B2B Meet with incoming 47-memberbusinessdelegationfromTanzania.

The Federation also conducted an analysis for identifying a list of probable 75 textile districts having the potential to be developed like the Tirupur textile cluster. Further FIEO's Business Incubation Centre provides handholding support to the new entrepreneurs starting from selecting right product, identify the country to export, connecting with bankers, identify suppliers and helping them in logistics and documentation. The Centre gives right environment to have focused and conscious effort for export business and has turnedover500newentrepreneursintonewMSMEexporters doing exports worth of over Rs 2500 Cr. Besides, the Federation also provided support on a variety of issues relatingtomarketaccess,standards,safetyandregulationsin overseasmarkets,opinedPresident,FIEO.

India's Growth Story remains intact as one of the fastest growing economies, as its expanding and diversifying merchandise trade continue to flourish amidst global headwinds: President, FIEO

Centre evaluating PLI scheme for Shipping Containers in post-pandemic times

NEW DELHI: The Centre is evaluating the need for a ProductionLinked Incentive (PLI) scheme for shipping containers in a postpandemic situation where shipping costs have come down and shortages have eased but the capacity for domestic production exists, sources trackingthematterhavesaid.

“In principle, the Shipping Ministry’s proposal for a PLI scheme for containers has been discussed within the Government. It is acknowledged that India has steel plants and there are existing capacities. So we can make containers veryeasilyinthecountry.Whatis now being evaluated is its economic sustainability and the quantum of funds to be allocated, if the scheme is approved,”thesourcesaid.

While the industry felt a pressing need for containers during the acute shortages experienced during the Covid-19 times, the situation has somewhateasednow.“Shippingcosts had zoomed during the Covid-19 pandemic when the shortage of

containers was hurting traders globally, including in India. But, now shipping costs have come down to a tenth. The container shortage has also relatively eased. Business opportunities may come at a particular time but one needs to see if theyaresustainable,”thesourcesaid.

For instance, if a company is making containers, it is important to see what agreement it can get into with a shipping line for containers supply. “The options the manufacturers would have should be economically feasible for the PLI scheme to succeed. It is also important to anticipate the level of demand from prospective investors for the proposed PLI scheme so that an appropriate allocation could be done,’theofficialsaid.

According to industry estimates, theglobalshippingcontainersmarket sizeisaround$8billionandislikelyto cross$12billioninthenextfiveyears.

If the proposed PLI scheme for containers was found feasible, funding would not be a problem

despite the fact that Budget 2024 did not allocate additional funds for it. “There are enough savings from the PLI funds already allocated. These savings would be used to fund new schemes, including the one for containers,oncetheyareapprovedby theCabinet,”theofficialsaid.

The PLI scheme, announced in Budget 2020-21 with 1.97 lakh crore outlay to create global champions in manufacturing, is so far available for 14 sectors. These include pharmaceutical ingredients, largescale electronics, medical devices, technology products, pharmaceutical drugs, telecom and networking products, food products, white goods, solar PV modules, auto and auto components, ACC batteries, MMF and technical textiles, specialty steel, anddrones.

New PLIs are being discussed for many sectors, including toys, e-bikes, garments, and home accessories (all materials including cotton), high-end smartphone components, furniture, andleatherfootwear.

India’s exports rise in both value, volume terms in 2022: GTRI report

NEW DELHI: The country’s merchandise exports have recorded a healthy growth in both value and volume terms in 2022, economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in a recent report. The outbound shipments rose by 14.6 per cent year-on-year to USD 453.3 billionin2022.

“The study found that products where exports increased to cover a value of USD 315.9 billion (69.8 per cent of total merchandise exports). But, products whose export quantities increased over the previous year represent USD 285.6 billion (63 per cent of total exports),” it said.

Major product categories which

have recorded growth in both value and volume terms include petroleum products, sugar, and basmati rice.

“Petroleum products, including diesel, gasoline and naphtha represent an export value of USD 94 billion. The unit price rose between 50-115 per cent in one year. The high unit prices may be primarily due to the high prices of crude oil. Sugar saw a unit value increase of 15 per cent, with exports of over USD5billion,”itadded.

It said that Gold jewelry and similar products with an export value of about USD 9 billion saw lower unit value realization in 2022. Similarly, hot rolled steel products with exports of USD 769 million in 2022 saw a decline of 26.2 per centinunitvaluerealization.

“Exports in 2022 saw a healthy trend with products covering 63 per cent of export value and saw an increase in the quantityofexport,”thereportsaid.

Further products where India’s exports have been traditionally strong but now feeling regulatory heat in a few countries or low global demand include shrimps,andiron-orepellets.

“Indian rupee/US dollar exchange rate appreciated by 6.1 per cent betweenJune2021andJune2022.

“This broadly explains the macro picture of why products where exports increased to cover a value of 69.8 per cent of total merchandise exports, but products whose export quantities increased merely represent 63percentoftotalexports,”itsaid.

India’s imports from Russia surge 5 times

NEW DELHI: The Union Commerce and Industries Ministry informed that the imports from Russia has jumped about five times to $37.31 billion during April-January this fiscal year. It is due to the increased import of crudeoilfromRussia.

In 2021-22, Russia was India’s 18th largest import partner, accounting for $9.86 billion of imports. Russia has become India’s fourth largest import source during the 10-month period of thecurrentfiscal.

India is the world’s third-largest crude importer after China and the United States. Russia’s share of India’s imports rose to 1.27 million barrels per day in January. Russia is providing crude oil in a discounted rate for India aftertheRussia-Ukraineconflict.

Imports from China rose by about 9% to $83.76 billion during AprilJanuary this fiscal. Similarly, the imports from UAE increased by 23.53% to $44.3 billion. India’s imports from the US grew by about 25% to $42.9 billion

duringtheperiod.

On the export front, the US has emerged as the top destination for Indian exporters during the 10-month period, accounting for 17.71% of the country’s total outbound shipments during that period. Exports to the UAE have increased to $25.71 billion during April-January 2022-23 as against $22.35 billion in the year ago period. Exports to China, however, dipped to $12.2 billion during the period as against $18.4 billion duringApril-January2021-22.

East Zonal conference on PM Gatishakti –National Logistic Policy held in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: Under the aegis of Ministry of Coal, the east zonal conference on PMGatiShakti (NationalMasterPlanforMultimodal connectivity) and National Logistic Policy was held recently in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The programme supported by Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd, a Government of India enterprise and the Government of Odisha focuses on integrated infrastructure development in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar. It was attended by Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Chief Secretary, astheChiefGuest.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary underscored the fact that logistic is the biggest challenge before the country. Appreciating PrimeMinisterShriNarendraModi’s visioninlaunchingthePMGatiShakti program, Shri Mohapatra said it will go a long way in ending the silos style of functioning that prevailed among various departments in the transport sector. Bringing various departments and ministries on a single platform will greatly address the huge volume of transportation of minerals and materialsacrossthecountry.

Referring to Odisha, Mohapatra said the state alone transports thermal coal to as many as 14 to 15

states across the country. Underlining the need of logistic development in the eastern region Shri Mohapatra said this region is the growth engine of the country. In his context, he said a robust futuristic plan needs to be put in place and executedinthesectoroflogistics.

In his address, as the Guest of honour the Secretary, Ministry of Steel,GovernmentofIndia,Nagendra Nath Sinha said, for the steel sector logistics are like a situation of life and death. Elaborating on the importance of logistics, he said for every tonne of steel that we produce, 4 tonnes of material has to be moved. So, for producing 120 million tonnes of steel, about 600 million tonnes of material has to be moved across the country. The total cost of logistics is around 28 percent of the total cost of production in the steel sector. If we need to cut down the cost of production, we have todecreasethecostoflogistics,which is well envisioned in the PM Gatishaktischeme.

Besides the existing modes of transport like the rail, road and water connectivity,ShriSinhasaidthereisa need to think of even new mode and manner of logistical support so that thecostcanbesignificantlycutdown. He also stressed upon the

appropriate mode of transport of material to reduce cost and improve efficiency.StatingthatcurrentlyIndia is having 80 KG per capita consumption of steel as against about 700Kginthedevelopedcountries,the UnionSteelSecretarysaidevenwhen we join the middle ranking countries the demand for logistics will go up, thereby calling for significant reductioninlogisticcost.

PM Gatishakti National Master Plan (NMP), a transformative approach for improving logistics efficiency and reducing logistic costs, was launched for integrated infrastructure development in the country. The objective is to bring different Ministries / States / Departments/Industries together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivityProjects.

The conference was attended by senior officials of East Zonal States and different Ministries like Coal, DPIIT, Railways, Power, Steel, Fertilizers & Chemicals, MoRTH, Shipping Ports & Waterways along with Industry representatives of East Zone.

The conference aims to have in depthdiscussionsandsuggestionsfor inclusivedevelopmentoftheregion.

Seafood exports to surge to $14 bn by 2025: Govt

KOLKATA: India is aiming to double its seafood exports to $14billionby2025fromtheFY22level, Union minister of state for commerce and industry Anupriya Patel said in Kolkata.

The Country exported 1.36 million tonne (MT) of seafoods during 202122, earning an all-time record of $7.76 billion. “In two years from now, we plan to achieve a target of $14 billion,” she said after inaugurating the 23rd edition of India International Seafood Show(IISS).

NotingthatIndiaisalreadyamong the world’s top five seafood-exporting countries,theMinistersaid17%ofthe country’s agricultural exports comprises fish and allied products. “We are the world’s third-largest fish producer,second-largestaquaculture producer and fourth-largest seafood exporter,” she pointed out at the start of the three-day event being organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in association with the Seafood Exporters Association

ofIndia(SEAI).

Noting duty concessions on the import of vital shrimp/fish feed ingredients announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, Patel said the government’s measures towards protection of the interest of the country’s aqua farmers and the sector as a whole. “We slashed the import duty from 15% to 5% for fish meal/krillmealandvitaminpremixes, whereas the duty has been halved to 15% for fish lipid oil and algal prime,” shesaid.

China lifts suspension on Indian Seafood imports

BEIJING: China has lifted the suspension of shipments from 99 Indian seafood processing and exporting units following India’s assurances over source control, a move which would boost marine products exports to the neighbouring country, an MPEDA official said recently.

China had suspended a total of 110 units since December 2020 over Covid concerns, but the sustained efforts by theseafoodexportdevelopmentbody— Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), were crucial to India’seventualsuccessingettinglifted

China’s suspension order, according to top officials. Centre had projected to nearly double the seafood exports to USD14billionby2025.

“The lift on the suspension of the 99 seafood processing units was done on February 14 and is expected to raise India’s export of marine productsby5percentto10percentin the next financial year. The suspension of 11 units was revoked earlier, MPEDA Chairman D V Swamysaid.

Non-conformity with the trade norm requirements of China upon virtual inspection had led to the non-

acceptance of seafood cargo from the concernedunits.

“Efforts by MPEDA, along with the Export Inspection Council, Embassy of India at Beijing, and the Department of Commerce, yielded fruition,asalltheunitshavecomplied with the requirements of (GACC),” Swamysaid.

India had 475 establishments that exportedseafoodduring2021-22.

The country’s seafood export to China was worth USD 1.17 billion in 2021-22, clocking a 25 per cent rise from the previous financial year, MPEDAofficialssaid.

Indian Railways launches Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways and India Posts have formally launched Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service, Joint Parcel Product of Railways and India Post. It is aninitiativeofpartnershipbetweenIndianRailwaysandIndia Posts in providing seamless logistics for the services sector in the country. This is in compliance with the Budget AnnouncementofFY2022-23.Todayithasbeenstarted,onthe four sectors -Delhi to Kolkata; Bangalore to Guwahati, Surat to Muzaffarpur and Hyderabad to Hazrat Nizamuddin. However, total 15 sectors(mentioned in Annx-A) have been plannedtobecoveredinthefirstphase.

The highlights of this service are Total logistic Service: Pick-Up and Delivery at customer premises, PalletizationTransportation through covered and sealed boxes, Semi-mechanized handling, Time tabled service, Insurance at0.05%ofthedeclaredvalueofthecargoforloss,damageand deterioration, Integrated Parcel Way Bill. Joint Marketing Teams between Posts and Railways have been made to take this initiative forward. Doing away with the slab system of pricingisaninnovationherein.

Railways and Department of Posts have collectively upgraded their tools, machinery and handling equipment, storage space for optimum use. Specially designed Fold type box, Envelope box, Mesh type Box, Bubble Guard Box made up of aluminium and light weight material have been developed. Similarly, Parcel Aggregation Centre have been equipped with conveyor system alongwith specially designed rakes for efficient stacking. BTU Deck where palatized material can be easily rolled are provided for effortless movement.

SalientFeaturesforCustomers:

1. Door step Pick-Up and Delivery: India Post will pick up the consignment at the doorstep of the customer and transport to the Railway Station (first mile activity) and at the destination railway station, India Post will transport

the consignment from the stationto the destination addressanddelivertheconsignmentatthedoorstepofthe addressee(lastmileactivity).

2. Flexibility of Quantum of Load: There is no fixed obligation of loading as party can book small load of 100 kg also.

3. Time Tabled Service: Parcel Train operated under JPP Scheme is a time tabled train with scheduled departure and arrival of Train at Originating, intermediate and Destinationstationswhich

4. Safe Transmission: Indian Railways will provide intermediate transmission between origin and destination railway stations (middle mile activity), in secured sealed boxes, ensuring safe and secured passage through time tabledtrains.

5. Insurance: Dept. of Post offers third party insurance facility at an affordable rate of 0.03% of cargo value to the customersavailingJPPService.

6. Affordable Tariff: First mile and last service charges at Rs 6/- per kg gives competitive and cost effective solution tothecustomersincomparisontoexistingroadrates.

7. SinglePointofContact: India Post will be the single point of contact for the customer for the despatch of consignmentfrompickuptilldelivery.

8. Mobile Application: A mobile app is being developed where customers availing JPP service can book the consignment with online payment facility and also can trackthestatusofconsignmentwithlivetrackingfacility. Earlier,aPilotweeklyservicewaslaunchedon31stMarch 2022fromSurattoVaranasibyattachingaVPUtoTaptiGanga Express. After the Budget announcement in 2022-23, proof of concept has been conducted on the textile segment from Surat and today after conducting 99 trials on single Parcel Van mode and 16 trials on full train load mode, Railways have decidedtolaunchthiscombinedinitiativeacrossthenetwork.

FM exhorts exporters to ‘foresee’ impact of global slowdown & engage with Govt

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has exhorted exporters to be receptive and ‘foresee’ how the recession or slowing economy abroad will pan out for them, whileaskingthemtoconstantlyengagewiththegovernment.

Stating that external uncertainties are far more ‘unpredictable’ and therefore challenging, Sitharaman said in a post-pandemic, post-war world, and where there is a repeat occurrence of virus, there is no fixed ‘template’ to deal with uncertainties.

With regard to imports, she assured the industry that the Governmentislookingatspecificitemstoseewhicharegoing to be consistently needed for next few years as well as those whoseimportcouldhurtdomesticmanufacturers.

“The changes abroad, recession abroad or the slowing economy abroad are all going to be challenge for Indian exporters. So Indian exporters will have to be far more receptive of what is happening there or even foresee how that will pan out for them and keep constantly engaging with the government otherwise at a time when exporters have to be on their toes, such challenges demotivate them,” Sitharaman saidattheAssochameventhere.

The Minister’s comments came after Commerce Ministry data showed that India’s exports dipped by 6.58 per cent to USD 32.91 billion in January — second straight month of decline—duetoslowdowninglobaldemand.

Imports in January too contracted by 3.63 per cent to USD 50.66billion.

Sitharaman further said that customs authorities at the borders are keeping a tab on both exports and imports. “No way are we blanket taking a position, we are looking at specificitemstoseewhicharegoingtobeconsistentlyneeded

for next few years and which are going to hurt us. Those which causehurtwearereadytoact,”theMinistersaid.

She also asked businesses to keep the Government informed with the input on import of items which they think could hurt domestic industry as well as those which are essentialinputinmanufacturing.

“We have gone item wise in customs duty and therefore we were able to bring it down in 18-20 categories… We will bring it down at the same time keep a very close watch on flooding or surge in any kind of imported goods. Even if the surge was only for 3 months, it can hurt us for full year. So there is a very keen eye being kept on what’s happening in our borders in terms of exports and in terms of imports,” Sitharaman said

TheMinistersaidthepriorityoftheGovernmentisgrowth and in the last three budgets, the Government has kept up the momentum by increasing public spending on infrastructure projects

The Budget 2023-24 hiked capital expenditure by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore, which is 3.3 per cent of GrossDomesticProduct(GDP).

“Wedidsolasttimeand,intheyearbefore,wehavemadesure we achieved the target. We have maintained the momentum in achievingthetargetlaidoutandthatisgoingtobeachallengefor meinreachingtheRs10lakhcrorein12months.Thechallengeis moreinachievingit,”Sitharamansaid.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war led to supply chain disruptions, leading to high inflation. Central banks globally have been tightening monetary policy to tame inflation,butthathasalsoledtofearsofrecessioninadvanced economies.

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT DEENDAYAL PORT

VESSELS IN PORT & DUE FOR EXPORT LOADING

SHIPS NOT READY FOR BERTH

LIQUID CARGO VESSELS

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT ADANI PORT

ADANI PORTS & SEZ LTD. (APSEZ) MUNDRA

SHIPS SAILED WITH EXPORT CARGO

VESSELS DUE IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE & EXPORT LOADING

ADANI MUNDRA CONTAINER TERMINAL (AMCT)

CONTAINER VESSELS DUE / IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE

ADANI INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL (AICT)

CONTAINER VESSELS DUE / IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE

ADANI CMA MUNDRA CONTAINER TERMINAL PVT LTD (ACMTPL), MUNDRA

TO LOAD FOR U. K. NORTH CONTINENT, MEDITERRANEAN, BLACK SEA, RED SEA, EAST EUROPE &

ADANI MUNDRA CONTAINER TERMINAL (AMCT)

ADANI INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL PVT LTD. (AICT)

LOAD FOR EAST, SOUTH & WEST, AFRICAN PORTS

(I) Cape Town, East Town, Walvis Bay,Luanda,Namibie,Douala,Lome,Durban

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT GUJARAT PORTS PORT PIPAVAV

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT ADANI HAZIRA PORT

JAMNAGAR (BEDI)

OTHER PORTS OF GUJARAT

(As on 20-02-2023)

Globalisation is being Redefined, and with it Global Supply Chains

Authored by : Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman & CEO of DP World, Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, Chairman of Hyperloop One

DUBAI:Reportsthatglobalisationwasinreverseduring the pandemic proved unfounded, with international trade flowsreboundingasquicklyastheydroppedoff.

But since the pandemic the punches have kept coming. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the impact of interruption to supply chains. And inflationary pressures and sanctions are now affecting food prices, the cost-of-living, and energycostsduetothereducedsupplyofoilandgas.

As a consequence, protectionism of the global trading system has increased, and companies are reacting by reshoringandregionalisingoperations.

But this does not mark the beginning of the end for globalisation.Onthecontrary,movingmanufacturingcloser to home markets and reconfiguring supply chains around the end-customer are protecting the flow of freight and creatingresilience.

The return is the ability to export to new markets, have greater control over the cost of shipping and improve theefficiencyofsupplychainsthroughdigitalisation.

AMoveTowardsRegionalisation

AttherecentlyconcludedWorldEconomicForumAnnual Meeting 2023 in Davos, Switzerland, I launched the Trade in Transition 2023 report, led by Economist Impact, and supported by DP World. The report captures private sector sentimentsacrossregionsandindustriesbasedonasurveyof 3,000 respondents from North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. And in its thirdeditionofthereport,itisclearthatefficiencyandcostare now being balanced by the importance of resilient supply chainstonavigateemerginggeopoliticaluncertainties.

In fact, 96% of respondents in the report said that geopolitics is driving them to reconfigure trade operations. Many of these companies around the world are reconfiguring their supply chains through strategies that enhance resilience and minimise transport costs such as friend-shoring, nearshoring, and reshoring. 20% of respondents said they are switching to regional suppliers –an increase of 8% from last year’s report. While 15% said they are shifting manufacturing and suppliers from foreign marketstotheircompanies’localmarket–a10%increasein reshoringfromthepreviousreport.

These regionalisation strategies are redefining the state of global supply chains and potentially global economic growth. The Economist Intelligence Unit estimates global export volumes to grow by 1.2% in 2023. That may seem like modest growth, but it is still a positive sign for global trade. The findings show that the biggest drivers of that export growth will be from growing demand in key markets and expansion of operations in new markets as cited by 25% and

20%ofexecutivesrespectively.

While 10% of executives surveyed in the Trade in Transition report believe that the fragmentation of the world into trade blocs will be the most limiting factorontradegrowthoverthenext two years, consolidating the modest export growth we see globally is vital. We must continue to drive that growth to support companies, trade, and billions of people in both developed marketsandtheglobalsouth.

Technology Causes Optimism And Seen As Trade Enabler

There are key strategies that companies are following to maximise this reglobalised reality. In line with DP World’s own focus areas, many think that implementing innovative technology and increased digitalisation is fundamental to achieving greater resilience in regionalised supply chains. For example, 30% of executives surveyed in the report said that digital tools for inventory management are the most effective supply-side resilience strategy. Promisingly, 35% of executives said they have started using advanced technologies in their wider value chain compared with 31% last year. Overall, 29% of companies say they are planning to adopt digital technologies to enhance their supply chain operations such as DP World’s CARGOES LogisticsandCARGOESFlow.

Additionally, the Trade in Transition 2023 report found that Just-in-Case inventory strategies, which are often managed digitally, still prevail among respondents. Companies are increasing inventory buffers with companies holding 10.1 weeks of inventories on average, compared with 8.9 weeks in 2021. Increasing inventories may well be costlier but it is a longer-term strategy that appearstooffsetpotentiallygreaterlosses.

GlobalisationRemainsAForceForGood

I am still of the belief that globalisation is the key to supporting economic growth for everyone. The World Bank has reported that over 1 billion people have moved out of extreme poverty because of economic growth fuelled by global trade. But in this reglobalised reality, reshoring and nearshoring supply chain strategies are attractive and resilient. It is critical that companies maximise technology and inventory strategies to keep trade growing and their businesses healthy. And doing so will consolidate economic recovery and once again allow developing and developed countriesequalaccesstohigh-value,supplychains.

RIYADH : The Saudi Ports Authority, also known as Mawani, and Danish shipping company Maersk on Wednesday announced the establishment of the region’s “largest logistics park” at a cost of $346 million at the JeddahIslamicPort.

The facility is scheduled to be completed by the first quarterof2024andwillhelpcreatemorethan2,500direct andindirectjobopportunities.

Tobebuilton225,000sq.m,itwillhaveanannualcapacityof handling 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo. The project includes storage and distribution areas that accommodate exports and imports of general merchandise, warehouses to accommodate refrigerated food items, and

special areas for transshipment, air freight, and cargo shipments.

The facility will rely on solar energy to power its units and use the latest technology to decarbonize logistics services to achieve net zero by 2040. Electric trucks will beusedfortransportationtoreduceemissions.

The logistics park will also include advanced digital warehouse management systems. It is part of the port authority’s efforts to encourage the private sector to invest in the sector in line with the Kingdom’s Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. The strategy seeks to position Saudi Arabia asa globallogisticshub.

Saudi Ports Authority and Maersk to develop $346m logistics park at Jeddah Port

SultanAhmed Bin Sulayem