Bhutan will also use inland waterways to export stone aggregates to Bangladesh through Dhubri Port in Assam. The export by inland waterways started from yesterday.
“This is first of its kinds which we are initiating. This will immensely benefit the exporters from Gelegphu, Lhamoidzingkha, Panbang, and SamdrupJongkhar among other places. If we look at the cost component, it will be much cheaper than land transportation. With this pilot consignment, we hope that exporters will take full advantage and accelerate the trade between Bangladesh and Bhutan and enhance the economic cooperation between the two friendly nations” said Tshering Yeshi, the General Secretary for Bhutan Exporters Association.
Trade through this port will not only ease the current traffic congestion issues at existing trade transit routes at Bangladesh borders but also reduce the cost of transportation. As of now, a ship can ferry nearly 2200 metric tons of stone aggregates and make three rounds in a month.
Via land, a metric ton of stone aggregates costs Nu 850 just to reach Bangladesh border. Again trucks get stranded there and the detention charge is Nu 1500 per day. At least it takes 5-6 days to unload the consignment. Although a metric ton of stone aggregates costs Nu 1000 via inland waterways, it reaches directly to Narayanganj port, Dhaka, unlike the trucks which have to unload at the border. Moreover, trucks can now just unload at the Dhubri port and return on the same day or the next day.
However, the Association says that they have opened a platform for the exporters and it’s up to them to explore the opportunities.
Through this port, even import will be faster. The standard operating procedure for the trade through inland waterways was signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Bangladesh in April this year. This is also an opportunity for other businesses, which can take place through inland waterways.
