JAAF sails on group of 7 as ‘Preferred Partners’ for logistics

• Deal to ensure pursuance of ethical and transparent practices and compliance in logistics services

The logistics services providers are an integral part in any business process and this importance is underscored in the manufacturing and product processing sectors in particular. They form the part and soul of the process and the success or failure of the business is ultimately depended on logistics supplies. Safe and timely delivery is most often a ‘product promise’ packaged to ‘offerings’ and this has been a cornerstone in the very success of the brand Sri Lanka Apparel. Although this component of the ‘promised deliverables’ is key to the business yet it has no direct bearing on the ‘product’ itself. Therefore trust, competence and capacity are crucial factors that have to be determined. The Joint Apparel Association (JAAF) recently identified a consortium of key players in the logistics services who have played a major role in the import/export areas of the apparel sector and recognised them as ‘Preferred Partners’ for furtherance of their services in an ‘ethical, transparent and efficient’ manner as their clients in the apparel trade. M.P.T. Cooray the Secretary General of the JAAF signed an MOU recently with seven of the main local logistics service providers bringing them closer to apparel sector’s supply chain system with the objective of consolidating the industry’s position globally and to the buyers in particular that we deliver the promise – on time. The group of seven are: CL Synergy Limited, DRH Logistics International, ExpoLanka Freight Ltd, Freight Links International Ltd, Hellman Worldwide Logistics Ltd, Scanwell Logistics Colombo Ltd and Shermans Logistics Ltd. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) represents all stakeholders of the apparel industry, not only export oriented industry but also domestic manufacturers catering to the local market as well. The value of the business handled in both imports and exports in Sri Lanka exceeds $ 6 billion and in terms of practice, the industry aspires to be ethical, efficient manufacturers of a sustainable industry. “Earlier this year the JAAF made a successful bid to the government that paved way for the introduction of a fair mechanism in relation to  the shipping economy and more particularly on the Terminal Handling Charges (THC) issue. With this background the JAAF has yet again brought in all leaders in the logistics industry directly responsible from the sector in to an extent ensuring equal and sustainable business opportunities.” Noel Priyathilake, Deputy Chairman and Rohan Masakorala, Chairman of Logistics Sub-Committee and K.J. Weerasinghe Advisor to the JAAF were present at the occasion.