Interactive session on investment opportunities held at Erode Cochin Port Trust is opening up for investments and has initiated a slew of measures to support exporters from Erode Zone. This was stated by Chairman In-Charge of Cochin Port, Shri G. Senthilvel during an interactive session with exporters and importers, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Erode Zone at Erode. The objective of the interaction was to throw light on various measures taken by Cochin Port Trust to handle cargo from north west Tamil Nadu in a cost effective and efficient manner for the benefit of trade and development. The investment opportunities at Cochin Port were also discussed. Addressing the session Shri Sentilvel informed that the port has direct sailing to Europe, the Mediterranean and the Far East in addition to the regular sailings to the Gulf and Colombo. Cochin provides a savings of 7 days in transit time and savings of $100 to $200 in overall supply chain cost for Europe Bound exports. The Walayar Check Post has now introduced a Green Channel for vehicle/sales tax/ excise for EXIM cargo and this has resulted in quick clearance of both customs/excise sealed and self sealed containers at the check post. The CONCOR has also started regular service on every Saturday from Coimbatore to Cochin Port to carry export containers and on every Thursday from Cochin to Coimbatore to transport import containers. The CONCOR is carrying empty containers from Cochin to Coimbatore free of cost. This provision is making the overall cost much cheaper than before. Coimbatore Inland Container Depot is providing facilities for consolidating LCL cargo from Erode. The industrialists at Erode, especially those in the food processing industry, were enthusiastic about supplies to cruise vessels and other vessels calling at the Cochin Port. The businessmen in the garment and cotton industry have decided to set up stalls during the visit of premium cruise vessels at Cochin Port starting with the visit of Ovation of the seas" on 01.06.2016. Shri C Devarajan, Chairman, CII Erode Zone, Dr P Tamilvanan, Advisor (Marketing), Cochin Port Trust , Shri M Chinnasami, Vice Chairman, CII Erode Zone and other officials were also present on the occasion.