Chennai Port hosts ‘Trade Connect 2025’ in Coimbatore to strengthen ties with Tamil Nadu’s Export Trade
COIMBATORE : In a major initiative to deepen engagement with the industrial and export-driven regions of Western Tamil Nadu, the Chennai Port Authority, in collaboration with Kamarajar Port Limited and the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore, hosted “Chennai Port’s Trade Connect 2025 : Uniting Hinterland Strength to Port Excellence”.
The event, part of the larger Trade Connect 2025 outreach campaign, brought together policymakers, logistics experts, exporters, and trade associations from key districts including Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Karur, Pollachi, Salem, and the Nilgiris.
Strategic Vision Unveiled at Press Conference
Ahead of the main event, a press briefing was held to outline the strategic direction of the outreach. Speaking at the meet, Mr. Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority, showcased the capabilities and infrastructure at both Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port. He highlighted recent initiatives aimed at simplifying trade for exporters in the western region of the state.
“This region doesn’t just produce—it exports. Strengthening logistics partnerships is vital for sustaining that momentum,” Mr. Paliwal remarked.
He emphasized the ports’ commitment to offering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective connectivity, tailored to the needs of MSMEs and large-scale exporters alike.
Mr. Paliwal was joined by Mr. S. Viswanathan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority; Ms. J.P. Irene Cynthia, IAS, Managing Director of Kamarajar Port; and Mr. Rajesh B. Lund, President of ICCI Coimbatore.
A Platform for Dialogue and Partnership
Special addresses at Trade Connect 2025 by key dignitaries brought valuable perspectives on export facilitation, port-industry collaboration, and regional logistics priorities.
Shri Rajesh B. Lund, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore — delivered the Welcome Address, emphasising the importance of seamless port–industry partnerships to power the region’s manufacturing and export sectors.
Shri Vijay Krishnan Velan. K, IRS, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Trichy Region — spoke on the evolving role of Customs in enabling faster, smarter, and digitally empowered EXIM trade through initiatives like Faceless Assessment, improved coordination, and streamlined clearances.
Shri Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, IAS, District Collector, Coimbatore, who graced the event — reinforcing the importance of government-industry partnerships for regional economic growth.
The event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions on critical themes including multimodal connectivity, trade facilitation, and digital transformation in EXIM logistics.
Why Chennai Port? A Case for Competitive Edge
Making a strong case for Chennai Port’s relevance to Western Tamil Nadu, Mr. S. Viswanathan, IAS, underscored several competitive advantages:
- Direct mainline connectivity to major Far East ports including Singapore, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Port Klang
- Shorter transit times and quicker cargo turnaround
- Ample availability of empty containers at competitive rates
- Presence of world-class container terminals, 50+ global service connections, and well-integrated road-rail links
“Chennai Port is not just an alternative—it is a strategic logistics hub for the entire western hinterland,” he said.
Expert Panels Address Industry Needs
Two high-level panel discussions provided a platform for industry and regulatory stakeholders to exchange ideas:
Panel 1: “Trade Facilitation & Regulatory Ecosystem” included officials from DGFT, Customs, CONCOR, FIEO, and the ports. Discussions focused on improving first- and last-mile rail access, simplifying documentation, and enhancing digital clearances.
Mr. Kirupanandaswamy, Traffic Manager at Chennai Port, noted that the port offers the lowest container-handling cost per TEU among major Indian ports, a critical factor for exporters.
Panel 2: “Voices of Hinterland vis-à-vis Port Excellence”, moderated by Mr. R. Rajesh Kumar, President of CHAASAAC, featured representatives from terminal operators, Chennai Customs Brokers Association (CCBA), and key trade bodies like Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) and The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA). The session examined exporter pain points and called for greater port-user coordination.
Commitment Beyond Connectivity
The overarching message from the event was clear: Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port are committed to building long-term, solutions-oriented partnerships with Western Tamil Nadu’s export ecosystem.
With high-level participation, actionable discussions, and a shared vision for seamless trade, ‘Chennai Port’s Trade Meet 2025’ has set a new benchmark for port–hinterland collaboration.