Chief Minister flags off EXIM cargo operations in Vizhinjam; BJP boycotts ceremony

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vizhinjam International Port started full-scale export-import (EXIM) cargo operations on Tuesday. Chief Minister VD Satheesan flagged off the first EXIM container at a ceremony held at 10.45 am today. This opens a new chapter for Vizhinjam in global maritime trade routes by starting direct commercial cargo movement beyond transhipment.

Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was announced to be the chief guest, did not attend the ceremony. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor VV Rajesh and Nemom MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar abstained from the flag-off ceremony. It is rumoured that BJP distanced itself from the event, in protest over the Congress government not allowing the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the Independence Day celebration.

Vizhinjam marks the start of commercial cargo movement from India's first deep-sea transhipment mother port. The commencement of full-fledged EXIM operations is also a testament to Kerala's transformation into a gateway connecting global maritime trade routes to the Indian market. The trial run of the first export container sent to Valencia, Spain, was completed.

EXIM activities will provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises of the state and the country in the fields of agricultural products, spices, cashew, marine products, handloom and textiles to enter new foreign markets. Until now, exporters who depended on Singapore, Colombo and Dubai ports will align with Vizhinjam.