Trichy: Improving international flight services after second wave of Covid-19 has proven to be an opportunity for Trichy exporters as demand for clothing in Southeast Asia accelerates ahead of Diwali festival . Despite restrictions on passenger movement, exporters recently shipped a ton of clothing to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, via Trichy International Airport.
Until now, most of the airport’s exports have been perishable products such as vegetables and fruits. The export of a ton of clothing has rekindled the hopes of agents and aviation enthusiasts here. Until now, textile manufacturers in Karur and Salem District State have exported clothing through the international airports in Chennai or Bengaluru, and sometimes through the ports. While Trichy was limited as a hub for the export of plant products, shipping of clothing made a short route to Southeast Asia for exporters in central Tamil Nadu. “Saris and fabrics have witnessed a huge demand in Malaysia among the Indian diaspora. As the low cost and reliable quality push the demand upwards, we could export 40 tons of clothing this Diwali season, ”Customs and Shipping Agent TOI A Moorthy told TOI A Moorthy.
MSMEs in food production are also capitalizing on the demand for snacks in Gulf countries. Since many natives have not returned from foreign countries for months and years, exporters have said that there is a great demand for snacks such as murukku, peanut mixes and chocolate bars. Kuwait and Qatar were among the countries that placed orders for indigenous snacks.
“We have planned to visit the textile units of Perambalur, Karur and Namakkal to take advantage of the opportunity to export clothes from Trichy airport. The perception of considering Trichy only as a hub for the export of perishable goods will change, ”said H Ubaidullah, independent civil aviation analyst. As each of the flights can carry around six tonnes of cargo, Trichy’s connectivity with Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates was seen as an opportunity by exporters.