Bangladesh, the second-largest clothing manufacturer in the world, has made a significant move by deciding to sell its textiles through the Maldives rather than India in order to distribute them to international markets. According to reports, that cite persons acquainted with the issue, this decision may negatively affect the prospects for cargo revenue for India’s seaports and airports.
It is now common practice to ship goods from Bangladesh to the Maldives and then to buyers abroad, including well-known retailers like Zara and H&M. According to analysts, this rerouting may worsen economic relations between Bangladesh and India and reduce prospects for cooperation on infrastructure and logistical projects. Bangladeshi exports going through India’s borders may also result in a drop in port and transit fee income for the country.
Recognising the importance of Bangladeshi textile exports, which are directly linked to Indian industrial hubs in Bangladesh, the Indian government is investigating ways to mitigate the effects of this change. Eighty percent of Bangladesh’s exports and thirteen percent of its GDP come from the textile industry, which is vital to the country’s economy.
According to industry analysts, Bangladesh may have made this move in order to avoid the delays that are common at Indian airports and to have more control over its supply chain. Textiles are regarded as perishable goods where prompt delivery is essential, according to Arun Kumar, President of the Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India.
Goods can now be shipped to the Maldives by sea and then flown to other countries thanks to a new sea-to-air cargo transshipment service offered by the Maldives Airports Company Ltd. Turkish Airlines flew the first shipment, which included clothing from Bangladesh, to Germany after it landed in the Maldives by sea in May.
With seven airlines involved in this transshipment network, including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, the shift in Bangladesh’s export approach represents a significant turning point in the region’s international commercial connections.
