Local exporters in Bangladesh have approached various state bodies, including the ministries of commerce and agriculture, as well as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with a request to lower cargo fares and increase the allocation of cargo space for the export of fresh vegetables and fruits. The Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables & Allied Products Exporters Association (BFVAPEA) has highlighted the challenges faced by exporters, such as the abrupt rise in cargo fares by the Biman Bangladesh Cargo Authority and the limited cargo space provided, which has led to a decline in export volumes, with figures dropping by half this year.
The association has expressed concerns over the potential loss of foreign markets for agricultural products to neighboring countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, due to these issues. They have emphasized the need for cargo fares to be competitive with those of neighboring countries to sustain the export market.
Despite a global demand for 300-400 tonnes of Bangladeshi vegetables, fruits, betel leaves, and other items, the lack of sufficient cargo space has made it difficult to meet this demand. Over the last six months, cargo fares have seen a threefold increase, with current charges for shipments from Dhaka to various destinations being significantly higher than before.
The ready-made garments (RMG) sector currently receives priority over agricultural items at the export cargo village, leading to lower cargo charges for RMG with Biman Bangladesh Airlines compared to other airlines. Mohammed Monsur, General Secretary of BFVAPEA, has called for immediate action from the government to make cargo fares more reasonable, noting that the export volume of fruits and vegetables has declined by more than 68.5 per cent over the past decade.
Source: The Financial Express