Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said his government is planning to develop air cargo ecosystem in the state to unlock the potential of international and domestic freight movements.

“In this globally connected world, there is a crucial need for fast and efficient delivery, especially after Covid-19 which has taught us how unpredictable the future can be,” Yadav said at the Annual Conclave ‘Unlocking Potential Paving Way for a Developed India’ organised by Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI).

He further stated that Madhya Pradesh being the nation’s heart, it has been at the forefront of the logistics sector. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have undertaken several projects in roadways, expressways, and Vande metro. Earlier, it used to take months to travel abroad, but today with the help of air cargo we are able to deliver goods to the farthest corner of the world, benefiting businesses and society simultaneously,” he said.

The Minister further said that the state government has already taken steps to develop an air cargo ecosystem.

“I hope Madhya Pradesh will soon have an air cargo like Delhi and we have initiated work in this regard with several industries. I hope Madhya Pradesh will be able to contribute to bringing together the air cargo industry as a cohesive force,” Yadav added.

Speaking at the event, Piyush Srivastava, Sr. Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) is dedicated to building a world-class environmentally friendly air logistics industry that facilitates business and supports the aspirations of the new and advanced Viksit Bharat. Going forward, e-commerce and express delivery cargo will drive the future, making it crucial to maintain an airline clientele that is both high-value and low-volume.”

He further stated that stakeholders must remain cognizant and aware of optimising processes and reducing turnaround times.

“Regulatory improvements have increased the ease of doing business and I strongly believe that the government will do what needs to be done to maintain this upward trajectory. As we leapfrog to achieve a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25, we need to adopt the best practices as per our need for rapid and sustainable growth of the Indian economy,” Srivastava added.

Yashpal Sharma – President ACFI noted that a developed India requires significant advancement from our current state of growth. However, it is important to remember that this growth must be unanimous, driven by elevating skill sets, job opportunities, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, he added.

“The Indian aviation sector is poised to witness a 3X growth, leveraging the robust supply chain we have established. To fully capitalise on this opportunity, we must continuously innovate in our businesses and upskill our workforce. I truly believe that air cargo has the right potential and scope for empowering businesses worldwide. I am certain that this holistic approach will not only strengthens the industry’s current capabilities but also lay a strong foundation for future growth and success,” Sharma added.