Cargo Corridors: Empowering Indian SMEs Through Smarter Logistics & Trade Facilitation

India’s small and medium enterprises, contributing over 40% of the country’s exports, are central to the nation’s global trade ambitions. Recognizing the critical role of logistics and trade facilitation, SME Communities organized the inaugural session of Cargo Corridors: Moving SMEs Forward in Chennai on August 20, bringing together government leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.

Mr. Israr Ahmed, Past Vice President of FIEO, emphasized the link between logistics efficiency and export growth, noting that the SME sector must compete on speed, reliability, and compliance to succeed globally. Mr. S. Viswanathan, IAS, Deputy Chairman of Chennai Port Authority, highlighted investments in automation, multimodal connectivity, and green corridors to provide SMEs with world-class infrastructure and faster turnaround times.

Addressing air cargo connectivity, Mr. N. Samim Basha, Jt. GM (Cargo), Chennai International Airport, underscored the growing importance of ASEAN and East Asian markets, while Mr. Manimaran, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, described how digital clearances and simplified procedures are transforming customs into a facilitator for exporters. Complementing this, Mr. P. Manikkavel, IRS, Commissioner of GST & Central Excise, Chennai South, highlighted technology-driven compliance initiatives aimed at reducing friction for SMEs.

The session reinforced a key insight: export competitiveness for Indian SMEs depends not just on products, but on seamless logistics, supportive infrastructure, and enabling regulatory frameworks. By fostering dialogue among ports, airports, customs, and trade bodies, the session outlined practical strategies to improve market access, efficiency, and reliability.

As India strengthens its position as a manufacturing and export hub, initiatives like Cargo Corridors provide SMEs with the guidance and operational support needed to scale globally. The discussion left attendees with actionable insights on leveraging logistics, policy, and compliance frameworks to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth in international markets.