Now Reading: Vizhinjam port export-import operations begin August 18: Kerala CM
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Vizhinjam port export-import operations begin August 18: Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced on Thursday that export-import (EXIM) operations at the Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin on August 18, after receiving all necessary clearances including from Customs. The…
The Story in Brief
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced on Thursday that export-import (EXIM) operations at the Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin on August 18, after receiving all necessary clearances including from Customs. The port had previously handled only transshipment, with over 60 per cent of containers linked to other countries. To support EXIM, a temporary road connection to NH-66 has been made, and a Customs-bonded area set up since Thiruvananthapuram lacks a Container Freight Station.
Responding to queries on Adani Ports' proposed sale of a 49 per cent stake in the port venture to Switzerland's Mediterranean Shipping Company for about USD 1.4 billion, Satheesan said an empowered committee headed by the chief secretary is examining the matter. He added that the Centre must first clear the transaction on strategic and security grounds, and only then will the state decide, keeping its interests in mind.
The Indian Opinion
The usual narratives around Vizhinjam pit Kerala's 'red tape' against Adani's 'speed' or raise security fears over the MSC stake sale. But the CM's cautious line, a committee is still examining the deal, and the Centre must clear strategic aspects, is neither obstruction nor surrender. It is prudence. The port has run transshipment only so far; EXIM will test whether infrastructure like the temporary road link and customs zone actually works. The real test: how many containers move in the first month.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
