“India’s Logistics Corridors Need to Compete Globally, Not Just Nationally”: Leaders Call for Action at Cargo Corridors 2025
A high-powered industry dialogue titled ‘Cargo Corridors: Moving SMEs Forward’ convened in Chennai on August 20th, bringing together policy-makers, SME exporters, logistics CEOs, bankers and insurers to tackle one of India’s most urgent economic priorities – logistics competitiveness as the backbone of India’s export growth.
Hosted by SME Communities and FIEO, the conference emphasized that India’s path to a $2 trillion export ambition hinges on seamless trade corridors across sea, air, road, and rail.
Mr. Israr Ahmed, Past President, FIEO, in his Welcome Address said, “Export growth is not possible without logistics efficiency. The SME sector contributes over 40% of India’s exports, and today’s discussions are vital to ensuring that our exporters can compete on speed, compliance and reliability.”
Mr. S. Viswanathan, IAS, Deputy Chairman, Chennai Port Authority, shared “Chennai Port is investing heavily in automation, multimodal connectivity and green corridors. Our goal is to ensure that SMEs using our port have world-class infrastructure and faster turnaround times.”
Mr. N. Samim Basha, Jt. General Manager (Cargo), Chennai International Airport, opined “With ASEAN and East Asia accounting for an increasing share of trade, Chennai Airport is building cargo connectivity that aligns with India’s trade agreements and supply-chain shifts.”
Mr. Manimaran, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, said “Customs is transforming from being a gatekeeper to being a facilitator. Digital clearances, AEO programs and simplified processes are being scaled to make SME trade frictionless.”
Mr. P. Manikkavel, IRS, Commissioner, GST & Central Excise (Chennai South) explained “Tax compliance should not be a bottleneck for SMEs. Our focus is on predictable, technology-driven compliance support that reduces disputes and improves ease of doing business.”
Mrs. Girija Subramanian, CMD, New India Assurance, said in her Keynote Address, “Risk management and insurance are integral to trade competitiveness. We are innovating SME-focused products that protect against cargo delays, geopolitical disruptions and cyber risks.”
Dr. Ravi Seshadri, Insurance Industry Veteran, in his Fireside Chat with Mrs Girija Subramanian, shared “For too long, SMEs have viewed insurance as an afterthought. In volatile global trade, proactive risk cover is not optional – it’s essential for resilience.”
Panel Discussion – Bridging Policy, Finance & Freight
Moderated by SME Communities, the panel titled “Seamless Corridors, Stronger Trade: Connecting Finance, Freight & Policy” featured diverse industry leaders.
Mr. Unnikrishnan K, Joint Director General, FIEO, emphasized “We must think beyond infrastructure – policy predictability and market intelligence for SMEs are equally critical.”
Mr. Krishna Kumar Nagarajan, Sr. VP, MSC Shipping, noted “Shipping lines are aligning with global sustainability norms. SMEs need support to integrate into greener supply chains.”
Mr. Shyam Mani, Group Head, CSB Bank, stated “Export financing must be as seamless as logistics. Working capital delays kill competitiveness. CSB Bank is open to a dialogue with SME industry leaders from the logistics sectors to better understand and meet their unique banking requirements.
Mr. D. Amalan, GM (C&O), CONCOR, stressed “Rail cargo can be a game-changer for SMEs if we build the right last-mile linkages and digital tracking.”
Mr. Vijaya Kumar, CEO, Paramount Shipping, added “The cost of logistics is not just freight rates; it’s delays and unpredictability. SMEs want visibility and reliability.”
Mr. Vipin Shankar, CEO, St John Freight Systems, urged “Integrated multimodal solutions – not siloed services – are what will help SMEs meet global client expectations.”
Mr. Dinesh Krishnan K, Chairman, ACAAI (Southern Region), reflected “Air cargo for SMEs is about speed-to-market. We need better capacity planning and partnership with airports.”
Prof. Chandrasekaran Nagarajan, IFMR & Board Consultant, said “Policy, finance and logistics need to converge. Competitiveness is systemic – not just about one link in the chain.”
Mr. Prashant Laxmeshwar, Founding Partner of Amanha Idealabs, and conceptualiser of the Cargo Corridors initiative, concluded, “India cannot afford logistics to be treated as just a cost centre; it must become a competitive advantage. Our SMEs need faster, cheaper and more predictable cargo corridors to thrive in a volatile world. The conversations today were not about incremental tweaks – they were about reimagining India’s position in the global value chain.”
The Chennai edition marks the beginning of a multi city series, with upcoming editions planned in other locations like Mumbai, Vizag, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata. Each forum will further the agenda of making logistics a driver – not a drag – on India’s SME-led export ambitions.
About SME Communities
SMECommunities.com is a digital-first platform enabling growth, visibility and dialogue for India’s SME ecosystem. From sector insights and policy perspectives to digital adoption, risk management and global trade readiness, SME Communities drives meaningful engagement across industries.
Cargo Corridors is our flagship initiative spotlighting logistics-focused SMEs across India’s trade hubs – beginning with Chennai.
About FIEO
FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) is the apex body of India’s export promotion organizations, established by the Ministry of Commerce to promote and facilitate exports of Indian goods and services globally. It serves as a crucial interface between Indian exporters and government agencies, financial institutions and international trade bodies, offering services like market research, trade facilitation, policy advocacy and trade promotion events to help businesses expand their reach.
