South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has appointed Zeal Global Services as its general sales agent (GSA) in India. The recent restart of SAA’s Perth, Australia route underscores the importance of the Asian market, particularly India. “Zeal Global Services, founded in 2014, has a significant presence in key Indian cities through its passenger and cargo GSA operations. Additionally, Zeal Global operates Pradhan Air Cargo freighters between India and Dubai.” Nipun Anand, Director, Zeal Global, highlighted SAA’s record in the Asian markets. “There is over 6,000 tonnes of cargo destined for South Africa from India, with Johannesburg attracting a lion’s share of the market. The inbound market from India is dominated by pharmaceuticals, textiles and automotive parts.” Mokwena adds: “SAA Cargo has a history of successful offline partnerships in the Asian market. The Zeal Global partnership presents numerous opportunities, and both companies are eager to explore its potential, especially in the India-to-South Africa market. This win-win collaboration promises mutual benefits.”

Cadila Pharmaceuticals has announced the expansion of its pharmaceutical warehouse, a move aimed at improving operational efficiency, streamlining logistics, and supporting its expanding market presence. The expanded facility covers approximately 30,000 sq. ft. and is designed to optimise storage and distribution processes, says reports. With a capacity to store 3,888 pallets in the main warehouse and an additional 75 pallets in a temperature-controlled cold room, the facility ensures the safe storage of sensitive products, including vaccines and insulin. The warehouse features advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), a fixed racking system, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) equipment, and reach trucks. These additions aim to strengthen Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ focus on technological advancement within its logistics operations. The integration of automation and smart logistics solutions is expected to enhance operational efficiency. The WMS reduces human error by ensuring accurate inventory management. A G + 8 racking system increases material inward capacity, allowing for better space utilisation. Automated material handling, supported by VNA equipment and WMS integration, is set to accelerate operations and improve productivity. Dedicated inward and outward gates have also been established to minimise product interchange and ensure regulatory compliance. This expansion supports Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ efforts to strengthen supply chain management and ensure timely distribution of essential healthcare products. The warehouse’s temperature-controlled environment and advanced inventory systems aim to enhance supply chain reliability and contribute to business growth.

Flexport unveiled more than 20 tech and AI-powered products designed to transform global logistics. The highlight of the release is Flexport Intelligence, which allows businesses to ask questions in natural language and receive immediate insights about their supply chain performance. Flexport customers can use this AI-powered tool to build reports and create dashboards with no technical skills required, making it extremely easy for operations managers to take control of their global supply chains,” says an official release. Another major launch is the Flexport Control Tower, which allows businesses to use Flexport’s supply chain technology even for shipments where another carrier or forwarder is contracted to move the freight, the release added. “By launching these powerful new AI-driven supply chain products to thousands of companies around the world, Flexport has immediately become the largest provider of AI tools for global supply chains,” says Ryan Petersen, CEO, Flexport. “While many startups are emerging to provide AI tools for logistics, they lack the data required to train the AI models and struggle to sign up customers to use their technology. Our scale as one of the largest logistics providers in the world gives us huge advantages in both creating the technology and getting it into the hands of businesses operating in the real world.

Kale Logistics Solutions’ (Kale) Malaysia Maritime Single Window (MMSW) has been officially launched by the honourable Minister of Transport Malaysia, Anthony Loke Siew Fook in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The implementation of Kale’s MMSW has meant an immediate reduction of vessel processing from up to five days, down to within hours, due to the real-time data and transparency of service level agreements (SLA’s) it manages. “The Ship Clearance System has been a game-changer for us. Transitioning from a manual, time-consuming process to a seamless digital platform has significantly improved efficiency and reduced clearance times – we are proud to be among the first to implement it successfully,” said Captain Subramaniam, General Manager, Port Klang. The MMSW digitally enhanced operations at Malaysia’s largest port situated on the world’s second busiest shipping lane, the Malacca Strait, to which 11,000 vessels call each year. Further phases of the MMSW project are set to see more ports join the system and the system’s capabilities set to increase further. “I am proud to see how the Kale system has helped Malaysian trade, as Malaysian ports reported over 30 million TEUs last year, a 10 per cent increase on 2023,” said Vineet Malhotra, Co-Founder and Director, Kale Logistics Solutions. “The improvement already seen in Port Klang’s operation speaks volumes to the capabilities of this level of collaboration, especially as Port Klang targets 15 million TEUs in 2025.” Following implementation at Port Klang the system was initiated across other federal ports in Malaysia, creating a digital framework to make port cargo operations vastly more efficient. MMSW is part of Kale’s – Port Community System, designed to promote paperless trade through the digitalisation of port systems to increase their …

Afzal Malbarwala, MD, Galaxy Freight said, “MSMEs have the potential to drive India’s growth by using new technologies and creative ideas to improve their products and services. They can boost competition, increase exports, and create more job opportunities, which helps local economies grow. MSMEs also play a key role in encouraging people to start businesses and develop important skills. Overall, MSMEs contribute a lot to the country’s growth. They make up 30% of India’s GDP, provide jobs for 45% of the workforce, bring in a large number of export earnings, and promote development across different regions, making sure no area is left behind.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “MSMEs are one of the driving forces propelling the Indian economy towards global greatness. It employs over two crore people, firmly establishing themselves as the bedrock of the economy. MSMEs are aided partly by supportive and reformatory government initiatives and technological innovations, this sector has grown exponentially, accounting for 46% of India’s total exports. This sector can further contribute to an overall growth of exports, the government should therefore further support and foster MSMEs to implement various schemes offering credit support, new enterprise development, formalisation, technological assistance, infrastructural development, skill development and training, and market assistance to MSMEs.”

  Arun Kumar, President, AMTOI said, “In economies dominated by low and middle-income groups, MSMEs play a crucial role in driving growth. With the right support from the state, they can transform into powerful economic forces. Unfortunately, this sector often receives less support, lacking the necessary backing to realise its full potential and contribute to sustainable growth.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “Viksit Bharat represents our collective aspiration for a developed India. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), developed nations are characterised by a high Human Development Index (HDI), which reflects factors such as high GDP/GNP, per capita income, access to quality education and a robust healthcare system. Achieving this vision requires inclusive economic development, driven not only by large industries but, more importantly, by the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs play a crucial role in job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. Therefore, government policies and infrastructure development must be designed with a strong focus on supporting and empowering these enterprises, ensuring sustainable and equitable growth for all.”

  C K Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight said, “MSMEs can drive Viksit Bharat by fostering innovation, generating employment and boosting exports. With digital adoption, financial inclusion, and government support, they can enhance productivity and global competitiveness. Their contribution to manufacturing, services, and rural development will strengthen GDP, ensure balanced regional growth, and create a self-reliant economy, making them the true growth engine of India’s future.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy and will be pivotal in realising Viksit Bharat. By fostering innovation, generating employment and enhancing exports, they drive inclusive growth. Strengthening MSMEs through digitalisation, financial support and global market access will accelerate industrial expansion, boost GDP and position India as a global manufacturing and services hub.”