The ACAAI Convention brought together leaders and stakeholders from across India’s cargo and logistics industry. The event focused on collaboration, innovation, and the future of global trade, reaffirming ACAAI’s role in driving growth and strengthening India’s position in the global air cargo landscape.
Ritika Arora Bhola
The recent 49th Annual Convention of the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI), held in the Bali from 6–9 November, marked yet another milestone in the association’s journey of collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership. The event united stakeholders from across the air cargo and logistics sector to deliberate on emerging opportunities, global trends, and the evolving role of forwarders in a transforming supply chain landscape.
The theme, ‘Connected yet Constrained: Transforming Trade Amidst Rising Barriers’, set the tone for a series of insightful sessions, discussions, and renewed partnerships. The event reaffirmed ACAAI’s commitment to driving growth and strengthening India’s position in the global air cargo ecosystem.
The inauguration began with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, graced by ACAAI officials and dignitaries from Indonesia. This symbolic act set the tone for an event dedicated to enlightenment, collaboration, and shared progress.
The ceremony featured a welcome address by Anil Vazirani, Convention Chairman, who extended heartfelt greetings to delegates and highlighted the importance of global partnerships and innovation in strengthening the sector. This was followed by the Presidential Address by Samir J Shah, President, ACAAI, who shared his vision for the association and the industry, emphasising resilience, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.
Lawlesh Kumar, Vice Consul, Consulate General of India, Bali, Indonesia, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Yukki Nugrahawan, Senior VP, FIATA (Indonesia), joined as Guest of Honour. Their addresses underscored the deepening trade relations between India and Indonesia and a shared commitment to enhancing logistics connectivity across the region.
Adding depth to the inaugural session, the Keynote Address by Girish Vanvari, Founder, Transaction Square LLP, and a Speaker Address by Utpal Almoula, KPMG, offered valuable insights into emerging economic trends and strategic opportunities shaping the logistics and cargo ecosystem. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Chaitaly Mehta, Honorary Secretary General, ACAAI.
In his inspiring remarks, President Samir J Shah highlighted the importance of collective contribution and mutual respect within the logistics and air cargo fraternity. “Whatever your contribution to the sector — whether it is you, your team, or your organisation — it ultimately strengthens the very industry from which we have all benefitted,” he said.
“We must work together with mutual respect and cooperation to make the sector more vibrant and recognised for the critical role it plays.”
Shah noted this year’s theme was curated to address current uncertainties while offering direction and optimism for the future. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the ACAAI Managing Committee, Secretariat, and Organising Team for ensuring a seamless and enriching convention. “I urge all delegates to actively participate in every session and make the most of this opportunity for learning and networking,” he added.
Welcoming the delegates from Indonesia and other participating countries, Shah expressed confidence that the convention would provide valuable insights and a roadmap for future collaboration — both professionally and personally.
In his address, Lawlesh Kumar highlighted the growing strength of trade relations between India and Indonesia, noting that bilateral trade currently stands at around
US$ 10.5 billion. He emphasised that this growth reflects India’s expanding presence in the region and its key role in supporting Southeast Asia’s economic development. Kumar also noted that India’s exports to Indonesia span a diverse range of agricultural and processed products — from caramel corn, onions, and edible oils to raw peanuts and frozen meat — underscoring the diversity and capability of India’s agro-industrial sector, increasingly driven by automation and efficient supply
chain systems.
He outlined that both nations are exploring new areas of cooperation — particularly in green energy, sustainable fuels, infrastructure development, and logistics efficiency. These initiatives, he said, aim to foster a balanced, resilient, and environmentally responsible trade ecosystem. “The logistics sector plays a pivotal role in this partnership,” he added, noting that through modern infrastructure, digital integration, and sustainable transport solutions, India and Indonesia are working together to ensure supply chains remain efficient, competitive, and eco-friendly.
Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo congratulated ACAAI members and shared his feedback, stating, “Every session flowed smoothly from start to finish. The meticulous planning and execution of the event were evident throughout. The inaugural session was excellently conducted with full audience and well-addressed; the President’s speech was impressive, incredibly informative, and relevant to current times. The addresses by the keynote speakers were quite effective with the quality and depth of their sessions which carried many valuable new insights and takeaways, such as advising seniors to must opt for making a will in terms of personal and official assets. The professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding. The convention was extremely interesting and informative.”
