“India to become a logistic hub in coming years,” say Industry doyens at Amity University seminar

NEW DELHI, MARCH 12: To familiarize young professionals with the career growth and opportunities in Logistic Industry, CII School of Logistics, Amity University organized a seminar on “Megatrends and Career Scope in Logistics and Supply Chain Management” at its Noida campus.

The seminar aimed to facilitate interaction between aspiring professionals, practising professionals and Industry leaders on different sectors of industry.

Dr. Anita Kumar, Director, CII School of Logistics said that students with interests in Sciences, Commerce, Engineering, Technology and Management disciplines can find scope for contribution in process management, innovation and research in logistics. She said that global supply chains demand orchestration of Shippers, Logistics Service Providers, Banks, Government Agencies and Gateway Ports to fulfil end customer needs on time and in full. Hence, there has been a growing demand for Logistics and Supply Chain professionals.

Sunil Arora, Vice President – ACAAI & MD, Delta Air Freight (P) Ltd mentioned that earlier in ’80s logistics industry had limited scope for professionals but with globalization, the industry has expanded and now logistics is an integral part of every business. He apprised that for the first time, Commerce Ministry has recently announced of National Logistics Policy which will further concrete the growth of the logistics sector. Arora added that the logistics industry in India has witnessed a significant growth especially the air cargo at 15% and the country is developing fast to become a logistics hub for the world.

Briefing about the supply chain process in FMCG and E-Commerce, Aditya Gupta, Business Head, TVS Logistics Services Ltd. said that supply chain is like nature, it is all around us. "The growth of the e-commerce industry has also lead to an increase in demand for efficient logistics. The competition in e-commerce is not only about the product but also the supply chain i.e fast and timely delivery," he added. He also said that the logistics industry is seeking professionals who are skilled and can contribute through new ideas and approach towards the functioning of the sector.

Sharing his views during a Panel Discussion on ‘Career Opportunities in Logistics and Supply Chain Management', Sukhwinder Singh, Vice President, Blue Dart shared that a professional must possess the skills of thinking, deciding and planning to work in the logistics industry and advised the budding professionals to have the right aptitude and attitude to be in this service industry. Data Analytics is the upcoming area in logistics that can be explored by young professionals, he added.

Firoze Hussain, Vice President, Delhivery said that companies are looking for delivery solutions at places that don’t have proper addresses, unlike the cities.

V V Benugopal, President and Chief Executive Officer at Panther Transfreight Ltd apprised that there is a shortage of trained manpower in the logistics sector. He also highlighted that gender barriers are breaking in logistics and more women are hired, especially in the operations area. Benugopal pointed out that the industry has the scope of professional growth for people with disability too.

The discussion concluded with question answer session wherein students asked questions such as legal aspect in logistics, career growth etc which were well responded by the panellists. They emphasized that legal advocates and consultants are a rare commodity in logistics and there is a dearth of specialized legal professionals in the sector.

The seminar was attended by hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students of CII School of logistics and other institutions of Amity University.