Vizhinjam International Port Begins Full Export-Import Operations

Thiruvananthapuram: Full-fledged export-import (EXIM) operations have begun at the Vizhinjam International Port. Chief Minister V D Satheesan flagged off the first EXIM container at a ceremony held at 10.45 am on Tuesday.

Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had been announced as the chief guest but did not attend the event. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V V Rajesh was also not present at the event. The Customs Department had granted final approval for full EXIM operations at Vizhinjam International Port during the tenure of the previous LDF government.

The commercial movement of cargo from India’s first deep-sea transshipment mother port has now commenced at Vizhinjam. The launch of full EXIM operations marks another step towards establishing Keralam as a gateway connecting global maritime trade routes with the Indian market.

The trial run of the first export container sent from Vizhinjam to Valencia in Spain had already been completed successfully.

The commencement of EXIM operations will provide small and medium enterprises in Keralam and across the country with opportunities to access new international markets, particularly in sectors such as agricultural products, spices, cashew, marine products, handloom and textiles.