The Kerala Exporters’ Forum has proposed ‘Mission Samudra’, an initiative to revitalise the state’s export sector by improving cargo-movement infrastructure and developing an integrated logistics network that connects Kerala’s smaller ports to major international cargo hubs.
A delegation led by the forum met K.M. Chandrasekhar, Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board, to present the initiative and submit a memorandum outlining the proposed measures.
A key component of Mission Samudra is strengthening coastal shipping and cargo movement through the ports of Beypore, Azhikkal, Ponnani and Kollam, linking them to the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal in Kochi and the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport. The proposed network is expected to move export cargo more efficiently from different parts of Kerala to major maritime gateways.
The forum also called for improved air cargo connectivity by integrating the state’s four international airports into the export logistics network. Better air freight facilities, it said, would provide exporters with additional options for transporting goods to international markets.
Another major proposal is the introduction of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system at Beypore Port to streamline export documentation and information exchange. The system would enable electronic transmission of export-related documents and data, helping accelerate procedures and improve operational efficiency.
The delegation further urged the authorities to restore international courier terminal facilities at Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram airports. The move would improve access to overseas markets for small exporters and other businesses seeking to ship products internationally through courier services.
To strengthen quality assurance, the memorandum also proposed establishing a testing laboratory at the University of Calicut for quality testing of export products. Such a facility would help exporters meet applicable product standards and quality requirements in international markets.
Munshid Ali, Secretary of the Kerala Exporters’ Forum, said the memorandum included the proposal for the testing laboratory as part of a broader effort to address infrastructure and operational challenges affecting the state’s exporters.
The delegation included Dr. K.J. Joseph, Director of the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation; Prakash Iyer, Vice President of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce; Rupesh Babu, General Manager of Kottayam Port; Jayaprakash, representing the Kerala Steamer Agents Association; Mahadevan, CEO of S.S. Maritime Shipping, Mangaluru; Dr. Ayesha Ruby, representing the apparel and garments export sector; and Mohammed Niyas, representing cargo forwarders in Thiruvananthapuram.
Through Mission Samudra, the forum seeks to improve multimodal connectivity, reduce logistics bottlenecks and create more efficient export pathways for businesses across Kerala, particularly small and medium-sized exporters.