Dhaka, Dec 17 (V7N) — Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) exporters have turned to the Maldives as an alternative route for exports, bypassing traditional air transport systems through Bangladesh and India. The shift is aimed at saving both time and cost amidst logistical challenges and rising expenses at regional airports.

Previously, garment exporters relied on routes through Dhaka, Kolkata, Colombo, or Singapore for quick cargo delivery. However, due to reduced cargo capacity at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and complications in prioritising Bangladeshi goods at Indian ports following political changes on August 5, traders have been forced to explore new options.

The Maldives route has emerged as a cost-effective alternative. Goods are now transported by sea to the Maldives and subsequently shipped to global destinations via cargo planes. Freight forwarders report that this method is addressing urgent deadlines while reducing transportation costs.

According to the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), exporting via Dhaka or Kolkata airports has become increasingly expensive. The Maldives route, approximately 3,000 kilometres from Dhaka, is saving garment exporters about one dollar per kilogram of goods shipped to Europe.

Kabir Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFA), highlighted that non-cooperation from banks' AD branches in facilitating dollar payments has forced cargo airlines to scale down or halt their operations in Bangladesh. As a result, exporters have had to rely on third-country routes like the Maldives.

Ahmed also pointed out inefficiencies at Dhaka’s Shahjalal Airport, citing high operational costs, customs risks, and inadequate infrastructure, such as scanning machines and explosive detection systems (EDS). Furthermore, a shortage of airlines offering sufficient cargo capacity exacerbates the problem.

The Maldives route, however, has proven advantageous. Costs per kilogram of goods exported from Dhaka had risen from $6.30 to $6.50. Exporters now report that the Maldives option has brought this down to a more reasonable level while ensuring timely shipments.

The Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association urged the government to address banking delays and operational issues to attract more foreign cargo airlines to Dhaka. They emphasised that reducing banking complications and ensuring timely payments for cargo operations are critical to restoring confidence among international carriers.

Meanwhile, Indian media outlet Livemint recently reported that Bangladesh's shift to the Maldives for exports is causing significant revenue losses for Indian airports and seaports. Indian officials have expressed concern over this development, as Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment exporter.

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