The Hindu Business Line : Tea-processing units planned near KoPT

IN an effort to boost tea exports from India, at least four tea-processing units will be created near the Kolkata Port Trust, according to Dr A.K. Chanda, Chairman of Kolkata Port Trust.

He was addressing the members of the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce. According to Dr Chanda, the port authorities are taking several steps to increase the traffic flow from the Kolkata port and tea is just one of them.

Kolkata Port authorities have already initiated dialogues with the Tea Board and other officials of the Union Ministry of Commerce. The land has being identified and advertisements seeking expression of interest have already being published.

Dr Chanda said several business houses have shown keen interest in building this facility. At present, tea exports through Kolkata Port and Haldia Port taken together is 61 million kg (61,000 tonnes).

"These units will be of latest technology and will be of a state-of-the-art facility. We are continuously holding talks with the Tea Board on this subject and everything will be finalised soon," Dr Chanda said.

When inquired about the total capacity of these facilities or the modus operandi of these units, he said that it would be finalised in consultation with the Union Commerce Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Port authorities have decided to slash its rates of dry dock facilities a few days ago. Dr Chanda agreed that the rates used to be highest in the country but now it is the most competitive rate in India. He hoped that this move would help the revenue earning of the Kolkata Port Trust.