India approves key sea-air route for Bangladeshi exports
India has decided to open the Delhi Air Cargo complex for Bangladeshi transit cargo, in an apparent reciprocal move, aiming to advance its regional trade hub goals.
The move comes after Bangladesh has already allowed its neighbour to use the Chattogram and Mongla ports for transporting goods through Bangladesh territory.
The Indian government, on its own, approved Bangladesh's transhipment cargo to be handled at the air cargo complex from 15 February, according to India's Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
Bangladeshi exporters had been using the Kolkata air cargo complex since June 2020, but fewer flight connections there limited their ability to take advantage of the alternative trade corridor.
Delhi Airport has expansive international flight connections and greater market reach, with chartered freighter capacity growing, thanks to an influx of cargo-only start-ups and international express logistics leaders like UPS and DHL beefing up their Indian services, adds the report.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has set its own ambition to be a regional trans-shipment hub, as part of which it has already opened its sea-land ports for neighbouring countries.
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