This article was written by G. Chandrashekhar, of The Hindu Business Line.

The All India Liquid Bulk Import and Export Association (AILBIEA), the apex body of India’s liquid bulk trade covering mineral oil, vegetable oil, chemicals, industrial oils and so on, celebrated its 17th annual convention in Mumbai on April 1, 2016 at the prestigious Hotel Trident located downtown. 

The day began with a seminar in the morning as part of Make in India campaign wherein senior government officials and industry experts delivered a series of talks to managers, mid-level corporate executives, export-import officers and personnel of service providers on logistics related issues including cargo handling at ports, Customs clearance and post-clearance procedures and activities. About 125 delegates participated.

The meeting culminated with lunch where two pulse based dishes were served with signage: In Honour of International Year of Pulses.    

As the Hon. Advisor to the association, I was invited to make a presentation on Indian macro-economy and potential of liquid bulk
trade. I took the opportunity to highlight IYP 2016. My thanks are due to the President of the association Mr. Jayant Lapsia for facilitating. A standee announcing IYP and launch of World’s Greatest Pulse Dishes displayed near the food station attracted interest. 

The evening saw a larger turnout of over 300 delegates including several industrialists and corporate heads at the glittering award ceremony. Well known corporate houses present included Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Godrej Group of Companies, Supreme Petrochem Ltd, Aegis Logistics Ltd and many more. 

Again there were two pulse based dishes prominently served with signage: In Honour of
International Year of Pulses. I thought it was a great opportunity to showcase IYP to influential
business groups that may have little idea about what IYP is all about.