Bhubaneswar: In an effort to boost exports in the state, international cargo operations services at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here were resumed Friday.
With the commencement of international cargo operations, BPIA becomes the second largest air-cargo facility in eastern region. Currently, international cargo of BPIA is operating from a building which was used for domestic cargo operations. BPIA relaunched the international cargo operations after a period of 14 years is expected to give a boost to the trade and commerce activity of the state.
“We have restarted international cargo facility in a scientific manner as lots of export units are lined up in the state.. As exports grow, the customs and Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials promise to consider expansion of the facility. So we can expect a new cargo building later,” said Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi.
Orissa produces prawn, sea fish, filigree products, stone architectures, Pipili appliqué works and handloom products look forward to international sector with a visible impact. Now, the exporters from Orissa can send their products to foreign countries and tap markets in West Asia, Far-East and European countries where demand for items like seafood, agro, handloom, handicrafts and spices are high, Padhi added.
“We had international operations till 2003 and we are restarting the global cargo operations in view of our export potential. In the last six months, exports from Orissa touched Rs 18,000crore which is encouraging. The revenue and employment generation in this segment will also help improve trade in the state,” said MSME principal secretary LN Gupta.
Representatives of various export associations in seafood, agro food processing industries, handloom and handicrafts and spice have indicated to use the facility.
“The availability of international air-cargo is beneficial for us. Currently, we are sending cargo via Kolkata or Delhi. But, with the addition of air-cargo, the products will reach the customer faster,” said Surendra Nath Panda, chairman of Bharat Masala.
However, the seafood and perishable goods exporters pointed out the need for cold storage facility at the airport.
“The city airport needs a cold storage facility for better handling of perishable goods. We expect that the customs clearance will also be done in a fast-paced manner thereby reducing the cargo rates,” said Niranjan Swain, a seafood exporter.
“We have cold storage facility and it has not been in use for a long time. We are trying to upgrade the facility soon. BPIA will also have more infrastructural improvements such as a control tower, additional parking base, an improved fire station and expansion work involving Rs 250crore,” said AAI eastern regional executive director Sanjay Jain. Airlines like Indigo and Air India have been asked to publish a schedule for dispatching cargo to various international destinations in West Asia, Far-East and European countries within seven days.
Similarly, the customs officials also assured fast-phased clearance for perishable goods. “The customs clearance of the perishable goods will be done within three hours. The exporters will not face any inconvenience,’’ assured Deepak Arora, commissioner of customs (preventive), Bhubaneswar.
Among others, R Mahalingam, Airport Director, Bhubaneswar, Girish Sharma, Joint General Manager (Cargo), AAI (Eastern Region), Kolkata, Director, Export Promotion and Marketing, BK Das were present at the meeting. PNN
