The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), through its Institute of Logistics, organized an interactive session in Coimbatore aimed at igniting young minds and guiding them towards promising careers in the logistics sector on 12th March 2025.
As logistics continues to emerge as a key pillar of India’s economic growth, this initiative aligns with CII’s vision of establishing India as a “Global Logisticians Hub” under its mission “Logistics for All.”
Coimbatore’s strategic location and robust industrial landscape further reinforce its importance in India’s logistics ecosystem. With excellent connectivity to major ports like Kochi and Chennai, the city is home to over 50,000 small, medium, and large-scale industries.
It also serves as a key supplier for the motor and pump industry, fulfilling over 40% of India’s demand, while the nearby Tiruppur textile cluster accounts for 90% of the country’s cotton knitwear exports. The city’s industrial parks continue to expand across various sectors, solidifying its role as an economic hub.
With its thriving industries in textiles, engineering, automobile components, and precision manufacturing, alongside well-developed logistical infrastructure including ports and road networks, Coimbatore served as an ideal location for this engagement.
India’s logistics sector is poised for exponential growth, driven by the expansion of e-commerce, manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The nation has become a hub for global enterprises seeking efficiency, cost savings, and innovation. This rapid transformation is expected to generate an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs within India by 2030, contributing significantly to the global workforce.
CII Institute of Logistics is at the forefront of transforming the logistics sector by serving as a collaborative platform that connects policymakers, industries, academia, training institutions, and society to develop a globally competitive logistics workforce. To achieve this, CII has implemented key strategies focused on workforce development.
These include industry-aligned training programs with strong placement outcomes, early exposure to logistics careers for students in grades 10 and 12, and the establishment of localized training centres in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to enhance accessibility.
Additionally, CII is actively promoting logistics as an aspirational career path to attract top talent while developing internationally recognized training programs through global partnerships. Furthermore, the institute engages with international industries to harmonize standards and facilitate trainee placements, ensuring a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
CII’s comprehensive model bridges the rural-urban divide, caters to both SMEs and large enterprises, and addresses gender diversity within the industry. These strategies will play a crucial role in shaping aspirations in global logistics and supply chain careers.
Speaking about the initiative, Mahidhar, Executive Director & Head of CII-Institute of Logistics, stated, “Coimbatore’s strategic location and thriving industrial sector make it an ideal city for developing logistics talent. Our goal is to inspire students and equip them with the skills and knowledge to excel, not only in India but on a global scale.”
As logistics serves as a key enabler for manufacturing and agriculture through efficient storage and transportation services, the need for a highly skilled workforce is paramount. Managing the complexities of both domestic and global supply chains with higher efficiency requires specialized training.
CII’s initiative to engage with students in Coimbatore reflects its strong commitment to fostering the next generation of logistics professionals and solidifying India’s position as a global logistics hub.
