Freight forwarders could benefit from self-regulation

Channa BANDARA WIJEKOON

The freight forwarding industry could grow to greater heights with self-regulations. Any regulation imposed should be on purpose and not to the whims and fancies of a party with vested interests.

We must work hand in hand with the Government to find solutions to impediments to the industry, Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA) Chairman Tony de Livera said. “Freight forwarders must urge the Government to recognize the necessity of value added services to the ports. Income potential for growth could be exploited by doing this,” de Livera told the SLFFA AGM on Monday.

Tony de Livera

He quoted Singapore as a country which adopted this measure and became successful.

The association’s website launched in October 2009 has helped to track down the debtors.

The Debtors’ database has been launched simultaneously with the web launch.

At present, over 50 percent of the membership is web-based and they constantly upload information, de Livera said.

Arrival of tourists grew by 50 per cent in the first quarter of 2010, compared to last year. Influx of local and global visitors has tremendously increased. We could capitalize on this scenario by developing the Trincomalee harbour by developing support services in the available vast extent of land around the port.

“Development of port infrastructure at this juncture is vital. We must increase the total cargo handling capacity. When we are geared with port infrastructure, many vessels could be diverted towards our country,” he said.

“Freight forwarder is the link between the customer, logistics process and the shipper. Thus, he must be very professional. Always maintaining a perfect harmony between time, price and reliability is of utmost importance. E-based technology has helped to upgrade the processors. He commended the service done by AITT the training wing of the association in providing necessary training for freight forwarding personnel.”

SLFFA Vice Chairman S. Mohanadas said the port expansion plan is a timely act and the Colombo port would be the best port in the region in future.

He said, SLFFA is committed to develop the personnel in the freight-forwarding arena with up to date knowledge on par with world standards to provide services to the clients.