MESSAGE FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR
I'm glad the way Assam Entrade managed the COVID crisis last year.
I was aware that we had built a very strong resilient organization. I
was also aware that we had built the organization carefully with right amount of
aggression and caution. We remained well capitalized that gave comfort to lenders. We
consistently demonstrated ability to borrow and leverage that gave confidence to
investors. We were careful in our customer selection. We were methodical in expanding to
new geographies. We were conscious of cost. We had built a strong and committed team.
And therefore, when the crisis hit, I was confident that we were in a
better position to overcome the crisis than many others, so long as the team continued to
work hard and focused on doing the right things. I'm happy they did that and when I
see the results, I must admit that they meet, and in certain areas, exceed my
expectations.
I also therefore remain confident that the team would overcome the
impact of second wave, which looks even more menacing than the crisis that hit us last
year. The second wave brings with itself certain lessons we can choose to learn from. A
lesson that we cannot celebrate victory too soon. A lesson that we may have to pay a heavy
price if we become complacent or let our guards down too early.
Assam Entrade as it faces the second wave is richer by the experience
of having handled the uncertainty and chaos of the first wave. I'm sure if we
continue to display the same tenacity, perseverance and resilience as we did last year, we
will emerge stronger out of this crisis as well.
I wish the team all the best!
Nishant Gupta