Kochi port infrastructure not utilized to the maximum

In a workshop on ‘certification of origin’ for exporters organized by the Export Inspection Agency in Kochi on Wednesday, Mr. K.N. Raghavan, Customs Commissioner, said that the infrastructure at Kochi port was underutilized unlike the other ports in the country which work beyond their capacities. Only 20% of the Vallarpadam container terminal had been utilized, he said. Pointing out the fall in India’s export earnings this September by 10% compared with the same month last year, he also referred to the widening trade gap which would impact on the economy.  Drawing the attention of the exporters to the trade agreements India has entered into with other countries, he asked them to exploit the situation to advantage. Mr.S.K.Tandon , Deputy Director of Export Inspection Agency,Kochi, said that the certification of origin would be of great use to the exporters since the certification of origin states that the products exported have origin in India and this information might bring benefit to the exporters as it might help increase the demand for the products. As a consequence of India’s agreement with the importing countries, marine products and spices from India would have preferential tariff and other benefits from those importing countries. The other speakers, Mr.N.Madhavan, Mr. Arvind B Patil and Mr.A.K.Anila touched upon different aspects of preferential trade agreements.

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