New shipping route connecting Kolkata, central Vietnam opens

28 Jul '22

1 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

Central Vietnam and India’s eastern city of Kolkata have been linked by a new shipping route, which was recently inaugurated in virtual mode. To be operated by the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), the route will address the lack of a direct sea route connecting the two countries and reduce export-import costs as sea freight rates have increased in the past years.

This route will shorten the transportation time to 14-15 days compared to 21-22 days for other routes.

The corporation plans to launch another route to Bangladesh’s Chittagong port this October, a news agency reported.

India is Vietnam's 8th largest trading partner and two-way trade is likely to reach $15 billion this year, the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, Bui Trung Thuong, head of the Vietnam trade office in India, said at the inauguration ceremony.

VIMC considers India an important trading partner of Vietnam in its development strategy, VIMC deputy general director Le Quang Trung said.

VIMC inaugurated a container shipping route linking Vietnam, Malaysia and India in November last year to ease pressure on cargo transportation, stabilise the supply of transport services and support domestic firms.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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