The Hindu Business Line : Agents at Kochi port seek end to union stranglehold

Kochi, Sept. 28 The Cochin Customs House Agents Association (CHA) has called upon the Kochi port management to conduct a referendum so as to avoid multitude of unions and skeleton unions at the port.

Addressing the 54th annual general meeting of the association, Mr C.P. Xavier, President, also said that a direction should be obtained to prevent illegal strikes at the port and those behind such strikes should be taken to task.

He pointed out that flash strikes and illegal strikes have become common during the past year and many man-days were lost. Strikes at Kochi have become synonymous with bandhs being declared every month in the State. This has affected credibility of the port and its operations, he said.

Strike pains

Ever-imminent strikes would prompt shippers to think twice before sending their cargo through Kochi port. The port is being held to ransom by few vested interests to promote their selfish and hidden agenda at the cost of trade, he alleged.

Mr Xavier said that CHA has taken the lead in championing the legitimate cause of the exim community with appropriate authorities and forums and often mobilising the support of chambers and trade bodies. The association is rendering various services to its members and port users. Besides, it is giving essential logistic support for customs house agents in discharging their export/import operations through the port of Kochi.

Air cargo potential

Regarding air cargo exports, Mr Xavier pointed out that Cochin International Airport Ltd had registered the lowest growth though it is the first private sector airport in the country and is the fourth largest airport in terms of passenger growth. The implementation of EDI and the possibility of exclusive cargo flights and faster cargo clearance would definitely turn the situation around as there is potential for growth of air-cargo exports.

The role of custodians of the port and airport has changed from trade regulators to trade facilitators. CHAs are confronted with new challenges every day. It is a tightrope walk pleasing the clients as well as obeying rules of exim trade. Total logistic solutions and end-to-end business solutions are the need of the hour, he added.

Mr A.A. Abdul Azeez, Secretary, presented the annual report for 2007-08. Mr Raghu Jairam, Treasurer, presented the annual audited accounts.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Shipping/Ports | Kerala

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