In early December 2018, RBO received a grant from Innovative (MIT) subsidy from Province South-Holland to make this a universal Certified Food Tech &amp; Logistics platform.Royal Blue &amp; Orange International Trading (RBO Trading) has been working on a Certified Food Tech &amp; Logistics platform, ’From Farm to Fork’ solution around the world with specific tests, giving every farmer a chance to participate in growing their economy. They are excited to support the food industry and make the supply chain more transparent.RBO Trading has collaborated with Milvum and Cogoport in efforts to combine their knowledge and expertise to make a bigger impact. Cogoport is a digital freight moving platform which enables businesses to increase their presence by making shipment of goods across the globe a much simpler task.&nbsp;Sukai Ceesay, CEO of Royal Blue and Orange International Trading B.V. (RBO), in a discussion with Cogoport, talked about her business’s recent involvement with us. She is happy to have worked with us and shares how Cogoport made it easier for her to expand her business reach globally. Know what she shares about the grant, Cogoport and how it helped her expand&nbsp;-Tell us about your business?A:&nbsp;Royal Blue &amp; Orange International Trading B.V. (RBO Trading) is a certified ethical, social and circular economy product and equipment sourcing solutions in the Quick Service (fast food) Industry. RBO Trading is a globally approved supplier and in the vendor list of Domino’s Pizza International and other multinational and local food companies. RBO Trading also manufactures proprietary products for companies using social, environmental and circular economy ingredients/solutions. How has Cogoport helped your business and what problems does Cogoport help solve?A: RBO Trading is hoping to have Cogoport participate on our platform as a logistics solution for our customers who need it. How well does Cogoport meet your business needs?A: I reached out to Cogoport for the simple fact that they are not geared towards the Fortune 500’s. Its logistics solution is practical for the small and medium enterprises who need practical and cost-effective logistics. I am a believer that when you help the small and medium businesses, you will indirectly help the big companies. Having digital transaction receipts and transparent quotes and billing make Cogoport a solution for our times. Looking forward to working with this team…What two features of Cogoport are most valuable to you?A: I would have to say, the transparency of billing and reliability of quotes.How likely are you to recommend Cogoport to your colleagues?A: Highly likely! Otherwise, I will not be doing business with you :))

Royal Blue & Orange Trading with Cogoport

Cogoport & RBO Collaboration: Enhancing Global Trade Solutions

Another busy week in Rotterdam. Looking at my full schedule I was thinking about how digitalising my life has helped me save so much time. I order my groceries online and they get delivered right to my kitchen, which saves a hours a week. Same goes for getting somebody a present (not for Christmas yet). My favorite e-tailer has an app for that. A few clicks and everything is arranged. And at work I’m trying to do the same for importers and exporters all over Europe. Letting them book container shipments with just a few clicks.
<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="width: auto; height: auto;" src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto"></a>
Talking about saving time: let’s go straight to the logistics news highlights for this week
<h3>Sustainability</h3>
The attention for sustainability issues is still on the rise, which is a good thing. We only have one planet, so we should use it wisely. Both ports and shipping companies have their eye on the green ball, but not all measures taken are favorable for shippers. I do however fully agree with the first concrete action of the World Ports Climate Action Program mentioned in the first article below. Increasing the efficiency of using digital tools is just what we are doing here at Cogoport.
“It is important to note that Los Angeles/Long Beach joined six other international ocean cargo gateways in the initiative called the World Ports Climate Action Program. This represents the creation of In their release today, the seven ports have agreed to focus on five concrete actions: 1. Increase efficiency of supply chains using digital tools. 2. …”
→<a href="https://www.supplychain247.com/article/international_ports_inspiring_deeper_commitment_in_support_of_the_paris_agr">International ports inspiring deeper commitment in support of the Paris Agreement</a>
“The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency that regulates global shipping, will require that ships in international waters emit no more than 0.5% sulfur by 2020.
The mandate is poised to disrupt the maritime industry, which has long relied on cheap high-sulfur bunker fuel with sulfur content around 3.5%. The major lines are now facing hard decisions on how to meet the mandate.”
→<a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/k-line-msc-2020">Major shipping companies outline plans for meeting the IMO's 2020 low-sulfur mandate</a>
This does have an effect on shippers, as carriers are adjusting fuel surcharge, for example
<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="width: auto; height: auto;" src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" width="auto"></a>
<h3>Carrier Rates and Surcharges</h3>
“Carriers impose [fuel surcharges] unilaterally without any negotiation with shippers and ignore a market approach to the global problem.
The future of higher-cost low-sulphur is a multi-billion, complex issue in international maritime transport and it can only be addressed and understood by shippers if carriers provide cost transparency on their fuel spend and the cost impact of the new IMO low-sulphur regulation”
→<a href="https://www.supplychain247.com/article/new_ocean_cargo_carrier_surcharges_in_january_have_supply_chain_managers_co">New ocean cargo carrier surcharges in January have supply chain managers concerned</a>
“The containership industry may finally end a lost decade of investment returns as demand accelerates and ocean carriers keep a lid on supply, according to one market expert.&nbsp;
With the exception of 2010, operating profit margins have averaged between 3% and 4% over that period. But the benchmark is an operating margin of 10%, which is closer to the industry’s capital cost... The spread between what liner operators earned and what it cost them to deploy ships accrued to the customers who received a service at a rate below what it cost to provide..."Christmas is Coming
Preparations for Christmas are in full swing though for a lot of people working in logistics. One of the two articles I read about the upcoming holiday period talks about how major logistics providers have started hiring additional staff already. It also gives tips on how companies can prepare their supply chains for the holiday season. Most of these can be solved right on the Cogoport platform: “Give customers visibility to their orders” and “Prepare to use the spot market to make up for excess demand not covered by carriers” and “Get more rates by connecting with more carriers”. Just saying… ;-)
“The time for holiday hiring has arrived, with three of the biggest households in the freight transportation and logistics sectors-UPS, FedEx, and XPO Logistics, each making announcements to that effect over the last few days.”
→<a href="https://www.supplychain247.com/article/its_almost_october_and_holiday_hiring_has_arrived">It’s Almost October and the Holiday Hiring Has Arrived for the Transportation &amp; Logistics Sector</a>
“A container supply chain would commonly require around a week for a box to be moved from arrival port to an inland distribution centre where it is unstuffed and the goods forwarded. Given the four-to-five week sailing time from Asia to North Europe, the last boat from China is effectively the end of October.”
→When should importers start shopping for Christmas shopping?
<h3>Seagulls</h3>
Last week I wrote about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/ocean-freight-roundup">autonomous container ships</a>, and the article below made me think of that immediately. I’m guessing there is a good chance autonomous ships are designed with seagulls in mind…
“Birds, too, can confound computers. In Boston, NuTonomy had to reprogram its cars to disperse stubborn seagulls. ”For the local breed of unflappable seagulls—which can stop autonomous cars by simply standing on the street, unbothered by NuTonomy’s quiet electric cars—engineers programmed the machines to creep forward slightly to startle the birds,” reports Bloomberg.”
→<a href="https://qz.com/1397504/all-the-things-that-still-baffle-self-driving-cars-starting-with-seagulls">All the things that still baffle self-driving cars, starting with seagul</a>l
&nbsp;

Sustainability, Carrier Rates, and Seagulls

This Week in Ocean Freight (28/09/18): Sustainability, Carrier Rates & Industry Trends

March was a busy month
at work. Financial year-ends usually are. Although I do try to keep abreast of
all important news and critical events in the industry, sometimes the schedule
doesn’t permit it. 



The news about the
fire on Maersk Honam is one such
missed incident. I came to know about the case whilst going through the industry
updates of the past month.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;" alt="whatsapp chat"></a>

As I understand from the media reports, it took almost 5 days to bring the fire under control. The
firefighting efforts are still in progress. This explosion resulted in the
death of 5 crew members, destroyed cargo worth millions, and caused heavy
damage to a new (2017 built) vessel. For the shippers who had cargo on board,
the nightmare has just begun. It may take months for them to get their cargo
back (if it has been salvaged) that too after paying a huge sum of money as the
Danish Liner has declared general average.


Why do we need to talk about this
incident?



Even though fire on
ships is not a frequent occurrence, it is a serious one. Thus, when such
incidents occur, we must not brush them away as accidents. They signal an anomaly
in the system or processes that are being followed.



Instead of stopping at mere reportage, these cases should be rigorously investigated for cause. And, we must collectively –
shipping lines, regulatory authorities, NVOCCs, and traders – work to
find solutions to mitigate such incidents. 



To spark off the discussion, I am sharing a
few questions that occurred to me as I read the media reports on the Maersk Honam Fire mishap.

Considering that the vessel was new, it
raises a question regarding the construction plan of the ship/quality of the
construction. One is compelled to ask if the ship’s construction plan was approved
by the American Bureau of Shipping? Or was safety compromised in anyway to
optimize design and reduce costs?<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" alt="" width="300px">



<ul><li>How did the ship’s document of
compliance allow such dangerous cargo to be loaded near the crew’s accommodation?
Did the stowage plan of the vessel comply with the document of compliance? Were
the rules and regulations mentioned in the SOLAS Convention followed? </li><li>Was the cargo correctly approved in
line with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code by the
shipping line that accepted it? Here, along with Maersk, the responsibility for the mishap&nbsp; lies
equally with its 2M Alliance Partner - MSC and slot sharing partner - HMM. Since,
the cargo manifest is not made available to the vessel operator, it is
important to know if the
Line that accepted the cargo carried out due diligence?</li><li>Finally, did the shipper correctly
declare the nature of the cargo? One of the major reasons for such incidents is
misleading/incorrect information provided by the shipper or his staff due to
unawareness of the rules or inexperience of dealing with such hazardous cargo. As
an industry, we must take measures to educate shippers of the rules and
regulations, processes to be followed when dealing with hazardous cargo.</li></ul>

In addition to finding answers
to the above questions, we also need to understand where we are lacking in our
efforts to ensure ship safety: 

<ul><li>Are we providing the latest equipment
on the ships to deal with such mishaps?&nbsp; </li><li>Is our crew equipped with the knowledge
and training to manage any operational issues or accidents or fires?&nbsp;Training of
the staff on board must be of top priority because if even one member of the
crew is slightly unsure of what to do in such a situation, we are putting the
life of 25-30 other people at risk.</li></ul>

While investigations will
reveal the cause of the blast on Maersk
Honam, till the time the report is released, we must engage in healthy
debate on how to curb such incidents. As an industry, we must also work on educating
ourselves, our teams, and our customers to make due diligence and safety first an
integral part of our work. We owe it to the 5 sailors who lost their lives in
the incident. Image Source:&nbsp;@IndiaCoastGuard

Maersk Honam Fire: Ignorance as Cause?

Maersk Honam Fire: Lessons Learned for Maritime Safety and Risk Management

In
the two years since opening the <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/blogs/direct-port-delivery">DPD</a> import clearance process at JNPT port for
all registered members of Custom’s ACP program, the share of DPD has shown an
increasing trend. According to the update on the port’s website, in February’18 37.15% import containers were cleared via DPD at JNPort and 38.25% at JNPCT.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>



In
order to further increase adaptability of the model and smoothen the
process, port authorities have been trying to streamline the DPD clearance
process. A notification (Public Notice - 38/2018)“Operationalization
of “one time default intimation” to Shipping Lines by DPD importers at JNCH –Reg”
published on 9th March, 2018,
seems to be a step in that direction. 



In
the later part of the month, Customs released the process that the
importers are to follow for “one time default intimation”. The notification for
the same is cited below for your use and reference.<pclass="msonormal">OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, NS-III</pclass="msonormal">MUMBAI CUSTOMS ZONE-IIJAWAHARLAL NEHRU CUSTOM
HOUSE, NHAVA SHEVA,TAL:- URAN, DIST : RAIGAD.
PIN – 400 707.F. No.
S/22-Gen-402/2017-18/AM (I)/JNCH

Dated 26.03.2018Subject:&nbsp;Procedure
to be followed for “one time default intimation” to Shipping Lines by DPD
importers at JNCH – Reg.<pclass="msonormal" style="line-height:10.2pt;mso-line-height-rule:exactly">PUBLIC
NOTICE NO. 49/2018&nbsp; Attention
of the Importers, Exporters, General Trade, Port Terminal Operator, Shipping
Lines / Shipping Agents, CFSs coming under the jurisdiction of Jawaharlal Nehru
Customs House (JNCH), Nhava Sheva and all other stakeholders is invited to the
Public Notice No 36/2018 dated 09.03.2018 regarding operationalization of “one
time default intimation” to Shipping Lines by DPD importers at JNCH. </pclass="msonormal">2. 
In order to relax the norms for advance
intimation for “DPD imports” it was decided that instead of requirement to
submit such intimation each time before arrival of the vessel, “one time default intimation” may be obtained from DPD importers and
submitted to shipping&nbsp;lines through
CSLA [csla@bombaychamber.com] so that default stacking code indicated in the
said “intimation” can be treated as default stacking code by shipping lines.
Accordingly, all the DPD importers of JNCH are advised to submit “one time default intimation” in the
format as annexed to the Public Notice No. 36/2018 in the manner as prescribed
in the format itself.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" alt="" width="300px">3. 
As per the said Public Notice it was
required to endorse a copy of such “one time intimation” to DPD Cell at&nbsp;dpd.amijnch@gmail.com. However, it is being noticed that in
pursuance of Public Notice 36/2018 dated 09.03.2018, importers are either
sending hard copies of such intimation to CSLA/DPD Cell or sending e-mail
intimation only to CSLA without endorsing e-mail copy to DPD Cell.4.It is being reiterated that DPD importers are required to send “one time default intimation” tocsla@bombaychamber.com&nbsp;endorsing&nbsp;a copy to DPD Cell atdpd.amijnch@gmail.com.&nbsp;It is again
being informed that such “one time
default intimation”submitted
either with incomplete information or submitted without following the procedure
as provided under Public Notice No 36/2018 dated 09.03.2018 will not be approved
by Customs.5. On
receipt of the copy of such “one-time default intimation” by DPD Cell, should
check whether the requisite details are furnished and if found to be in order,
will communicate to CSLA (with copy sent to importer / Customs Broker to the
same email address) for compliance. Immediately on receipt of such
communication from Customs, CSLA will inform to all the shipping lines to take
action as provided under Public Notice No 36/2018 dated 09.03.2018 .6. 
In case of any difficulty, the specific
issue may be brought to the notice of Additional Commissioner in charge of ‘DPD
Cell’, NS-III (email address: dpd.amijnch@gmail.com).Sd/- (SUBHASH
AGRAWAL)Commissioner of Customs (NS-III)

DPD Update: Intimation Method for JNCH Importers

DPD One-Time Default Intimation: What Exporters & Importers Need to Know

Trade finance can make or break the success of your business. What can you do to prevent finance risks affecting your export business? Our upcoming webinars look at some of the answers.&nbsp;
Trade finance can make or break the success of your business. What can you do to prevent finance risks affecting your export business? Our upcoming webinar looks at some of the answers.&nbsp;
As the world becomes more and more connected, and with advances in technology, trading around the world has become easier. From the biggest corporations to the smallest firms exporting and importing can be managed simply at the click of a mouse.
Platforms like Cogoport’s marketplace community help ease the logistical challenges of doing business globally.&nbsp;
&nbsp;However, many businesses face several challenges, including managing trade finance. Getting it wrong can be costly to your business.&nbsp;
<h3>So what risks do exporters have to bear in mind when thinking about their trade?</h3>
<h3>1. The trading environment</h3>
Not everywhere may be as stable as your home market. Consignments can get lost or held up, payments can be delayed or complicated or communications difficult. Before taking on a transaction overseas, an exporter does well to think about and plan for: the ease of doing business due to the efficiency of local systems covering customs, banking and transportation communications reliability in terms of telecoms and shared understanding the stability and transparency of the regulatory environment whether any major players control aspects of the market already.
Solution: As well as conducting due diligence, consider working with an agent or partner who understands the market which you are entering.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Fluctuating finance risks</h3>
Currency volatility has always been a concern for exporters, especially when consignments have to travel a long way or run the risk of delays in port or customs. With high-value shipments, variations of just a few percentage points can represent a significant risk to an exporter.
Solution: Investigate a hedging strategy with your bank or finance partner. You can also attempt to negotiate terms with your consignees that share some of the exposure.
<h3>3. Borrowing Risks</h3>
Borrowing risks, also known as credit risks, are derived from the possibility of financial loss. This is due to failure to repay borrowed funds or meeting contractual obligations. Even if you do eventually get paid, the delay in your cash flow can be a nightmare when you have staff and suppliers to pay!
Solution: Have a solid understanding of whom you are dealing with and their ability to pay on time. Assess their creditworthiness, gather informal intelligence among your contacts to see what reputation your consignee has and price your goods accordingly. Our webinar will also touch on strategies to manage these risks.&nbsp;
Assessing trade finance risks is essential for successful business growth and development. Want to know more in detail about international trade finance and its risks to protect your export business? Join our webinar to get the best information from experts in the market!
<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="width: 968px; height: 563px;" src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/2713a36d511fb707b332ec011bdef06c/cogo-trade-finance-1.jpg" alt="cogo-trade-finance-1.jpg"></a>

3 Trade Finance Risks Exporters Should Beware of

Trade Finance Risks Exporters Should Beware: Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

The way to economy’s heart is through the stomachs of consumers. Opportunities in agricultural trade exist for both the EU and India.Clove, cinnamon, and pepper once propelled global trade. These were as valuable as gold, so trade in spices was brisk, and it had great cultural and economic significance. New maritime trade routes and partnerships were forged and regional eating habits evolved. European demand was the animating force for commodities trading, and, as the world’s second-largest economy, the European Union (EU) still is.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>India’s role has been historically important. It was the largest producer of spices, and the trade routes that emerged from the 14th to 17th centuries still exist. It is still a developing economy, but one of the world’s fastest-growing and as it searches for international trade partnerships to sustain its rapid GDP growth, it sees agriproducts as a way to achieve its ambitions.Modern day India-EU food trade presents a huge opportunity for both parties, albeit that the EU market is fiercely competitive and highly regulated – particularly on food products – and India’s is complicated and less rule-bound.<h3>All Eyes on Asia</h3>Globalisation has brought the world closer, and even our palates have benefitted. Foods that were once treasured in a specific region are now being shared with the world. Avocados, Himalayan pink salt, quinoa, cashews and kale are current examples. A wave of Instagram food enthusiasts has given the taste for new foods and added stimulus as their influence spreads across continents.<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>When it comes to exotic foods demand, Asia is a huge potential market. It is home to more than half the world’s population. Rising disposable incomes and growing food demand have made it a lucrative market for the EU’s food producers. India is at the forefront.The question then is to find the right opportunities.India is still largely an agricultural country. Almost half of its labour force is involved in farming, while the corresponding number in the EU is relatively tiny. The amount of arable land in Europe is declining. This will inflate its demand for food imports – an excellent opportunity for Indian exports, which include rice, jute, lentils, onions, and potatoes. Meanwhile, the EU produces an abundance of wine, barley, grapes and olive oil. Globally, demand for olive oil, a European staple, is set to increase, as awareness of its health benefits grows. While both the production and consumption of wine are expected to stabilise within the EU, appetite for it in developing countries, including India, continues to rise.Other factors contribute. Thanks to the organic food movement, India predicts growing global demand for its spices and lentils. Environmental consciousness will raise awareness of jute as an alternative fabric. The crown jewel of Indian food grains - basmati rice will be sought after as more people switch to gluten-free diets.Trade-in agriproducts between India and the EU are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle - ready to take shape.<h3>Regional Trade Set to Boom</h3>Exporters from India who have traditionally looked at western markets realise export business opportunities with their regional counterparts. Given the proximity and blooming economies, the countries within South Asia could be trading among themselves at three times the current levels according to a recent report by the World Bank. It seems the EU is by no means the only game in town.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" alt="" width="300px">India is already taking advantage of specific export opportunities in five markets which include – rice to Egypt, onions to Dubai, lily bulbs to Taiwan, sesame to Turkey, and turmeric to Japan. It is also assessing regional markets for organic products such as grapes, mangoes, pineapple, litchi, ginger, and okra. The country seeks to liberalise trade in farm products and amplify international commerce.India’s export volumes will grow even if regional focus may shift. It’s also clear that there will be a definite increase in demand for imported European goods. Indian consumers will have agriproducts such as fine wine, olive oil, and other native European produce on their shopping lists. These commodities, once considered luxuries for most Indians, are becoming more prevalent.Opportunities exist for both the EU, the largest trade bloc in the world, and India, the nation that is set to be the most populous by 2024.Spice traders were paid handsomely in past centuries. Tastes may have changed the items in the shopping baskets of consumers, but for importers and exporters of food products, there is still a thriving business to be done.&nbsp;

India-EU Food Trade: A Massive Opportunity

India-EU Food Trade: Opportunities, Regulations & Market Access

India is the world’s fastest growing economy. Indian exports of both merchandise and services have witnessed an exponential growth of 13.79% in the year 2018-19. Kudos to India! As per the current report of the Federation of Indian export organisations, the contribution of export to the country’s GDP is about 18% to 19%. Although the global factors like rise in crude oil prices, strengthening of USA Dollar and US-China trade war has affected the Indian exports.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Because of initiatives like Make in India where the primary goal is to brand India as a global manufacturing hub. India has managed to ride the roller coaster well. Dealing mainly in capital intensive exports, India is into exports of Petroleum products, Organic and inorganic chemicals, Electronic goods, Plastic and Linoleum.Not only this but the cabinet being lenient with the agricultural export policy, the Agri exports are estimated to grow from $37 billion to $60&nbsp;billion by the end of the year 2022. India is firmly following the mantra of Sky is the limit. Along with this, the basmati rice industry is on an expedition to have its highest ever exports in FY 2019.&nbsp;The Indian government has also equipped a rupee payment mechanism, to kick in with ease for trade with Iran, our largest importer of Basmati rice.Even the Indian pharmaceutical industry has played a crucial role in the country’s exports. It has managed to raise its exports by $11 billion in the FY 2018-19. The USA is the leading trade partner in pharmaceuticals accounting for about 1/3rd of India’s exports.India is centring on bilateral trade, with its prime focus simply on being together in an uncertain world. India has managed to sign 80 plus bilateral trade agreements.<h3 class="ql-align-justify">India’s Top 5 Markets for Exports as per the World Bank Report</h3><ul><li>United States</li><li>United Arab Emirates</li><li>Hong Kong, China</li><li>China </li><li>Singapore</li></ul><h3>India’s Top 5&nbsp;Export Products as per World Bank Data</h3><ul><li>Petroleum Oils</li><li>Diamonds</li><li>Medicaments</li><li>Art of jewellery</li><li>Semi-milled and wholly milled rice</li></ul>After marking down the highest ever exports to China this fiscal year, India is now making efforts to achieve greater market penetration in its exports.Indian export growth is essential to seize the opportunity in the global markets. Additionally, there has been an exponential growth in the Logistics sector as well.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" alt="" width="300px">The logistics sector, backbone of trade and commerce across the globe is likely to grow to $215 billion worth. And by adding it to the Harmonised Master list of Infrastructure India has already taken a few steps closer.

Get to Know What India Exports

Indian Export Industry: Top Products, Markets & Growth Trends

Lars Jensen, CEO at SeaIntelligence Consulting and Cogoport's Liam FitzPatrick discuss the hottest topics, from technology to Brexit, in the shipping Industry. <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P5HSeHJF6to?showinfo=0"></iframe>

Expert Connect Podcast with Lars Jensen - Ep. 1

It’s always nice when the media takes interest in your company. Especially for a fast-growing startup trying to simplify freight and optimize global shipping. We have already been featured on The Loadstar and The Economic Times, to name a few.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a><h3>It's a Bird! It's a&nbsp;Plane! It's the Magazine on the Plane!</h3>If you fly British Airways this month, you will be able to read about Cogoport in the in-flight magazine. For those that don’t fly BA, here’s some of what they wrote about us in an article called “Cities of Innovation”, which Rotterdam is.“New digital solutions are also playing a major role by improving efficiency for the 30,000 sea-going vessels that call at the Port of Rotterdam each year. Indian startup Cogoport chose to open its European HQ in Rotterdam. The company has been called the “Uber of sea freight”, but Carmit Glik, CEO of Cogoport in Europe, prefers to think of it as the Booking.com of logistics. The service matches importers and exporters with freight carriers and is currently growing 20 percent a month, with about 4500 customers and 300 suppliers using it. “There is a significant focus on maritime and logistics innovation in Rotterdam,” says Glik. ”If you’re in that sector, you definitely want to be here.”<h3>We're Moving Freight. Port to Port and Beyond.</h3>The second article I’d like to share some quotes from is from an Israeli publication called Port2Port, who interviewed me at the end of last month.“Carmit Glik: "Cogoport was founded with the aim of providing added value to its customers by managing the whole supply chain - from our customer's factory to their end customer who purchased the goods abroad, while the entire handling and shipping process is managed by an innovative digital platform that reports real-time on all shipments and offers solutions and alternative options in real-time as well. We are essentially a digital "umbrella" that collects all the data from suppliers that offer shipping, forwarding and logistics services, and presents them to our customers in a convenient, efficient and transparent manner, including the costs of course, and the customer chooses a specific service through this platform. The digital aspect is very important, but as a company, we see the delivery of our customer's products to their end customers as the most important."<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Glik: "In the end, our goal is to simplify the access to the data and inform the customer of everything that really interests him, and in real-time. What matters to us is process improvement for both customers and carriers. At the end of the day, we will not do anything that doesn't provide added value to our users, which should be true for all the technologies that exist in the market today, whether it is Blockchain or artificial intelligence. It's all about the customer, and positive experience. And by the way, one of the biggest tests is always to see how things go when something goes wrong. For example, there was an accident and the container did not arrive in time to the port and did not board the ship - we know how to report it to the customer. This information is very important for the customer and he wants to get it right away. The ability to inform our customers instantly and give them alternative options is one of the advantages of our platform. Currently, we're working on an app that's available from any mobile phone that will further simplify the processes for our customers. Anyway, it's always possible to use the website or call us, and our employees can always intervene personally. It all depends on the severity of the situation, but our goal is to make the platform so simple and intuitive that the customer can do everything himself. "Glik: "There are suppliers that interface with our platform and there are suppliers that use it manually in their back-office operations. It depends on the company and its digital capabilities. Our goal is to be the link between suppliers that have ships, trucks, etc. to those that have goods to ship in the most efficient way. We work with everyone because we are a platform, a "marketplace" and as such we want to give the customer all the options that are available today. We will let our customers choose what options best suit their needs. Cogoport works in the background to make sure everything runs smoothly. It is the customer that chooses which carrier he wants to work with. And when the customer sends it to Western Europe, he can also choose whether the shipment will be delivered to its final destination by train, truck, or barge. Multi modal shipping is big here, and we offer the full range of services to manage that."<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" alt="" width="300px">Glik: "Our platform is divided between suppliers and customers and there are sub-categories for shipping companies, shippers and exporters. That's how the system identifies them, and if I'm a carrier I can connect to a network that can provide me with new business opportunities. And if you are a smaller carrier that doesn't have the large customer base of an international shipping company and you offer good service at a good price you have access to new markets you didn't have access to before."<h3>Hello, Is it Me You're Looking For?</h3>While I don't have a singing voice anywhere near Lionel Richie's, I do know Ocean Freight and Tech. So if you want to talk ocean freight, logistics technology, digitization of freight, or have any questions on Cogoport, then it is me you're looking for.

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