Ahmedabad air cargo complex gets a facelift

With the introduction of a new direct international flights from Ahmedabad, the Gujarat State Export Corporation Ltd (GSEC) has taken several initiatives to attract exporters to the Ahmedabad airport.

It has decided set up a cold storage facility at the air cargo complex so that perishable goods can be handled more effectively. GSEC has also arranged for having a drug controller as the complex to attract more pharmaceutical companies. It has also co-ordinated with Bank of Baroda to set up an extension counter at the complex to facilitate payment of customs duties and other charges.

GSEC expects a sizable increase in trade of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pharmaceuticals and the like with the setting up of the new facilities.

"Efforts are on to continuously upgrade facilities at the air cargo complex to ensure that both Indian and overseas traders choose Gujarat as a base for export and import of goods," a GSEC official said.

The cold storage facility is equipped to handle five tonne of cargo. The capacity will be increased to 15 tonne by the end of the month.

GSEC handled cargo worth over Rs 5,500 crore in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. It expects a sizable increase in the value of cargo handled from the air cargo complex at Ahmedabad.

Speaking at a discussion earlier this week on attracting more traffic to Gujarat ports, chief secretary P K Laheri said: "With the cold storage facility set up and more international flights ready to be started from Ahmedabad, trade will see a huge spurt."

The assistant drug controller at the air cargo complex will help traders get clearances at the cargo complex itself. "The service will be strengthened to attract more pharmaceutical companies to use the facilities of the air cargo complex," said the GSEC official.

"GSEC is also in the process of exploring possibilities for introducing bonded trucking at the air cargo complex," said the official.

GSEC officials said all efforts are being made to ensure that the Ahmedabad air cargo complex achieves a special status.

"We have been constantly interacting with the trade community to understand their problems and provide the best possible services," they added.