That India is emerging as the next hot apparel export destination for Bangladesh is nothing new. Bangladesh is making steady inroads to India already with Bangladesh’s apparel exports to India witnessing a sharp rise of 167 per cent in the first three months of fiscal 2018-19. However, Benapole land port is apparently playing a big role in boosting exports to the neighbouring country.
As per media reports, goods exported to India through Benapole land port has increased to around 65 per cent year-on-year to Taka 4,040.35 crore in 10 months to October this year while export volume rose by 40 per cent year-on-year to 3,22,000 tonnes during this period.
As per industry insiders, export of shirts, t-shirts, jeans and trousers for different luxury brands, including Zara, FHM and Raymond, has now started through the port which were earlier sent through air.
Customs Commissioner of Benapole land port Belal Hossain Chowdhury reportedly attributed this spike in exports to improved infrastructure as part of which dedicated bypass road connecting Benapole and Petrapole for faster transport of export goods and digital tax processes have been implemented.
It may be mentioned here that it’s been more than a few months since 24×7 operation at Benapole-Petrapole land border – a land-port that handles nearly 60 per cent of the Bangladesh-India trade from the Bangladesh side has commenced.
The new set of commitment raised hopes that border trade would continue 24/7 and cut the time lag on the border – through the Benapole-Petrapole Integrated Check Post (ICP) – and help reduce the prices of goods imported and exported through the port.