First female boss of Freight Forwarders Association calls for “out of the box” thinking

• Says efficiency, innovation would help Govt. policy of driving export-led economic growth 

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Ltd. Managing Director Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny was recently elected as the first lady Chairperson of Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association, SLFFA which has over 200 members. Following is her speech delivered at the AGM:

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Ltd. Managing Director Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny addresses the AGM of Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders Association after being elected as the Chairperson. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake is also present 

The global logistics industry was estimated to be a whopping $ 4 trillion+ in 2014. This represented 10% of the global GDP. The Indian subcontinent logistics represents $ 200 billion+. Given the region’s current economic growth and forecast in the medium term, our industry can be very positive that the opportunities for us in Sri Lanka are on the brighter side. 

The Indian subcontinent is known as a high growth area for the world’s population where an emerging middle class population will open up new markets and new consumers and more demand for goods and services. I believe that the current Indian subcontinent supply chain inefficiencies for consumers and manufacturers could be filled by an efficient logistics industry. In my opinion there is a big gap in terms of human capacity, professionalism and technology in our industry in Sri Lanka and in this part of the world. These are areas I propose that we should give greater focus to. 

While we talk about the development of infrastructure of our facilities at the port, airport, air cargo, etc should improve, in order to showcase world class, state-of-the-art facility to meet the demand of the international buyer/customers to attract business to Sri Lanka.

We thank the Minister of Finance for his initiating the ‘One window concept’ – the 24 hours customs operation. It’s understood such an initiative is a difficult task; while we understand that it will take some time to reap the benefit we sincerely hope all the supporting, inter departments also will fall in line to make sure this initiative is successful.

The freight forwarding and the logistics industry in Sri Lanka and the region is still not properly geared to face up global demands. We need to think out of the box as the local economy is relatively small with a 20 million population. As members of SLFFA we must focus to be regional players as we have an advantage with our strategic location to provide quality services to the emerging Indian subcontinent trade, Asia as well as the globe. 

SLFFA should engage in macro level policy discussions with the Government not on individual or small operational matters; we have to look at a national framework to develop the logistics industry. We have to develop our competitive advantage into a solid business model. We should not be scared of competition but must teach our younger generation and business leaders to be innovative just like in any other competitive industry; then we will see the difference.

Over the coming years we as the logistics industry representatives should target to contribute at least 10% to the national GDP as it is now estimated to be around 3%. Our efficiency and innovation would help the Government’s policy of driving export-led economic growth for the country. I am confident that we can do this. Hence, let’s keep this in mind and be a partner for development of Sri Lanka and to make our aspirations a reality to be the logistics and shipping hub of South Asia. 

After all many of the successful regional economies have shown that ports, shipping and logistics can bring economic prosperity. I leave you with this thought this evening.