ECGC & D&B host Export Risk Management Conclave 2013

The conclave theme for this session, ‘Managing Risk in Volatile Times’ provided insights on risk mitigation issues and techniques in critical areas of exports related to insurance, foreign exchange fluctuation, supply chain management and geo-political movements. The event witnessed industry experts sharing their experiences and perspective about the current and future state of the export landscape.

Delivering the welcome address, Shri Kaushal Sampat, President & CEO – India, Dun & Bradstreet said, “India has taken significant steps to deepen integration with the global economy over the last two decades, especially in the area of trade. From a share of mere 0.4% in global merchandise exports and a ranking of 45 in 1980, India has moved up to 19th rank and holds 1.6% share in global merchandise exports in 2012.

“Exporters are being confronted with increasingly volatile and complex environment. The scope of risks they face is broader, has a deeper impact and is much quicker to materialize. In such a scenario, the ability of an organisation to take risks and manage them well has emerged as a major competitive advantage.”

“The objective of the ECGC-D&B Export Risk Management Conclave therefore is to reach out to exporters across the country and discuss the risks that they face and how these can be mitigated. Equally importantly, the Conclave would discuss how exporters can leverage the opportunities ahead, in terms of new markets, products, services, financing avenues, supply chains etc.”, he added.

Speaking at the conclave, Shri N Shankar, Chairman cum Managing Director, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd, said, "Credit Insurance stands out from other non-life insurance products. Export Credit Insurance plays an important role in enhancing the competitiveness of exports, especially of developing economies."

Expressing his views on various banking services available for exporters, Shri Ranjan Dhawan, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “All banks in India are actively involved in helping the Exporter Community in increasing the exports from India for which immense potential still exists.

"Bank of Baroda, in particular, being present in 24 countries abroad in addition to its network of more than 4500 branches in India, is committed to provide a full-range of banking services to the exporters including export – finance in all its forms and facets.”

Speaking on Supply Chain Risk Management, Shri Sanjiv Singh, Chief Manager (Country Head), Marine Cargo Dept, New India Assurance Company Limited said, "Marine Insurance can play an important role in supply chain risk management by promptly settling claims on account of loss or damage to goods. However marine insurance cannot be a substitute for risk management to contain losses – especially those which are preventable in nature."