Bangladesh Eyes Eastern Indian Ports for Cost-Effective Export Routes

A Bangladeshi delegation visited eastern Indian ports, including Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Krishnapatnam, to explore new trade opportunities. The visit aimed to reduce export costs and transit times by leveraging India's strategic location. The initiative seeks to decongest Bangladesh's Chittagong port and enhance Indo-Bangladesh trade relations.

In a bid to reduce export costs and transit times, a Bangladeshi delegation visited eastern Indian ports, including Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Krishnapatnam, to explore new trade opportunities, officials said on Friday.

Led by S M Mostafa Kamal, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Shipping, the 13-member delegation, comprised representatives from key ministries, private stakeholders, and ports, aimed to evaluate the potential for transshipping cargo through Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) to third countries.

Bangladesh's Chittagong port faces severe congestion, prompting Dhaka to consider Indian ports via existing Indo-Bangladesh waterways to alleviate pressure. The delegation met with top officials from SMP Kolkata, who showcased the benefits of using Indian ports for transshipment, including reduced transit times, availability of empty containers, and cost optimization.

SMP highlighted future plans, such as direct voyages to China, vessel movements to Chittagong and Yangon, and the introduction of a Night-Navigation System. This visit followed the Shipping Secretaries Level Talks held in Dhaka in December 2023, marking a significant step towards strengthened maritime connectivity and bilateral trade relations between India and Bangladesh.