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India
Regional Focus

Making waves

consult with Member

Associations to derive and
recommend the best course of

action to regulatory
authorities, the Shipping

Ministry of India, port

authorities, etcetera.”
He said another vital aspect

of the association will be the
setting up of a code of conduct

with sound standard practices
and systems for the member

shipping companies and to
make this code of conduct an

integral part of the Indian
Shipping Sector. Mr Joseph

explained it will be important

for Indian suppliers to
represent themselves on

various issues and matters to
Ipromote trade and encourage

infrastructure and
development. “We will have

ndian ship suppliers are thriving and regional meeting in India for the first meetings and make representation to the
the setting up of a new ship supply time, with the aim of the meeting being authorities to constructively bring

association in the country will to encourage the setting up of a national forward port and shipping-related issues
ensure Indian suppliers can work chapter of the Association. During the such as ports/customs/CISF. It will be

together for the greater good.meeting, ISSA President Jens Olsen and important to communicate with various

Ajay Joseph, Director, Global Marine other ISSA Senior Executives advised me chambers of commerce and to promote
Supply Co, who is leading the setting up to set up a national association.”measures for the protection of trade and

of the new association, named the commerce. We will be better placed to Mr Joseph added that Indian ship
Welfare Association of Shipsuppliers approach these government authorities suppliers have also suffered from

and Services – INDIA” (registered in July and ask for our rights and also increase problems with customs, sales tax,
2014), explained why it is so important the brand value of our ship chandelling municipal authorities and other

to set up this new association: “We have industry within the national government departments. “The Indian
been facing a lot of problems with port shipping/offshore industry. We are Government does not consider us as

authorities, such as unnecessary fees looking at reputed and government exporters and does not give us the same
and no direct registration for ship registered suppliers to join our benefits as those given to an exporter,

chandlers in some ports (one has to go association, which will be our strength to even though we bring in foreign

through ship agents). There have also fight against unjustified and unfair remittance. We, as an association and
been difficulties and time involved in practices and policies of the government.”organised body, will encourage and co-

issuance of port entry permits as too ordinate the activities of the When asked what he believes have
many formalities are involved, and all members/associations pan India in a been the greatest issues and challenges

these issues motivated me to work united, cohesive, coherent manner upon in trying to set this association up, Mr
towards setting up an Association in common issues impacting on the ship Joseph said: “India, with its vast cultural

India. In February 2013, ISSA had asupply and services industry and todiversity and geographical area, has a

Issue 63 2014
8 The SHIP Supplier