Dhaka eyes trade thru India’s Vizag, Adani Krishnapatnam ports

Bangladesh is exploring ways to enhance trade and maritime relations with India through Visakhapatnam Port, commonly known as Vizag, and Adani Krishnapatnam Port, according to media reports.

A high-level Bangladeshi delegation visited the ports and met with the authorities on Monday, focusing on assessing the commercial and technical feasibility of the Eastern ports to enhance trade benefits for both countries.

Both ports are situated in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Krishnapatnam Port is owned and operated by the Adani Group whereas Visakhapatnam Port by the Indian government.

Several crucial issues were deliberated upon, including the ease of doing business, customs clearance,transhipment, cruise passenger handling, congestion management, and dredging when the delegation from Bangladesh, led by SM Mostafa Kamal, joint secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, and Sheikh Saleh Ahammed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home, visited the Vizag Port.

The visit aimed to explore EXIM (Export-Import) trade opportunities with the neighboring country, positioning Bangladesh as a third trading partner after Colombo and Singapore, particularly along India's Eastern Coast, reports the Times of India. 

During the visit, the discussions sought to identify potential areas of collaboration and improvement to facilitate smoother trade operations between the two nations.

Vizag Port Chairman M Angamuthu provided a comprehensive overview of the facilities and infrastructure available, as well as the strategic initiatives undertaken by Visakhapatnam Port through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. 

He assured the delegation of their unwavering commitment to supporting trade with Bangladesh in the coming years and highlighted the port's capabilities in handling diverse cargo, its state-of-the- art mechanisation, and green initiatives. 

SM Mostafa Kamal, joint secretary of Bangladesh Ministry of Shipping, emphasised the country's keen interest in extending all necessary inputs for EXIM trade, aiming to create a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances trade efficiency and economic growth for both countries.

The visit signified a pivotal step towards strengthening bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and India as both parties acknowledged the immense potential for increased collaboration and the importance of addressing logistical challenges to streamline trade operations. 

The Bangladesh delegation, joined by senior Indian officials, also explored the infrastructure and facilities in Krishnapatnam, reports the Deccan Chronicle.   

Representatives from key maritime bodies, including the Inland Waterways Authority and the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, provided insights into the port's advanced operations and commercial potential.

"This visit opens new avenues for bilateral trade," an official said and added, "Krishnapatnam's infrastructure demonstrates our readiness to handle increased maritime traffic with Bangladesh." 

The Bangladeshi officials were particularly impressed by the port's capacity to manage large-scale import-export operations. 

"We see great potential for expanding our trade routes through this port," noted a member of the visiting delegation.