To a great relief of the promoters of the international transshipment container terminal at Vallarpadam, the announcement of the Prime Minister about the cabotage relaxation for the terminal at Kochi came; but, since it has not been duly notified, the terminal is yet to reap benefits. Meanwhile, the delay in effect proves to be a boon to ports in Colombo and Singapore. Another word for business is competition. As a port consultant has rightly remarked, “Because of the delay, someone is gaining. Colombo is coming up with one facility after another. We are losing the opportunity and it is bad for the country”. At the same time, the choice cannot be different when it is between commerce and security: security only. The Defence Ministry for security reasons insists, in the event of the cabotage relaxation being effected, that all the cargo that passes through the terminal must be screened. The people in trade are not in favour of it since such a screening will involve delay and an increase in the cost for the customers. The port authorities, however, appear confident that the method of operations at the terminal would satisfy the defence ministry with regard to the question of security. An informed person pointed out that “The defence observation will not be a hindrance.” He added: “We have clarified that to the defence ministry through Cochin Port Trust. We have explained how it happens and the ministry is also checking how it functions in other countries. So they will understand and take a suitable decision. There will be a solution coming out. We will have to wait and see”. Confidence pays; yet, the sooner, the better.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Delay in notification continues to benefit Colombo and Singapore
To a great relief of the promoters of the international transshipment container terminal at Vallarpadam, the announcement of the Prime Minister about the cabotage relaxation for the terminal at Kochi came; but, since it has not been duly notified, the terminal is yet to reap benefits. Meanwhile, the delay in effect proves to be a boon to ports in Colombo and Singapore. Another word for business is competition. As a port consultant has rightly remarked, “Because of the delay, someone is gaining. Colombo is coming up with one facility after another. We are losing the opportunity and it is bad for the country”. At the same time, the choice cannot be different when it is between commerce and security: security only. The Defence Ministry for security reasons insists, in the event of the cabotage relaxation being effected, that all the cargo that passes through the terminal must be screened. The people in trade are not in favour of it since such a screening will involve delay and an increase in the cost for the customers. The port authorities, however, appear confident that the method of operations at the terminal would satisfy the defence ministry with regard to the question of security. An informed person pointed out that “The defence observation will not be a hindrance.” He added: “We have clarified that to the defence ministry through Cochin Port Trust. We have explained how it happens and the ministry is also checking how it functions in other countries. So they will understand and take a suitable decision. There will be a solution coming out. We will have to wait and see”. Confidence pays; yet, the sooner, the better.
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