Vegetable exporters in Ctg protest realising of 'illegal' charges by CAA
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG, Nov 09: Vegetable exporters today alleged that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Chittagong realised Tk 5.0 million (50 lakh) from export of non-traditional items like vegetables as weighing charges through Chittagong Shah Amanat international airport over the last three years.
They said there are no additional 'weighing charges' on export of non-traditional items including vegetables through the Zia International Airport in Dhaka but the Civil Aviation officials in Chittagong are realising extra weighing charges on export of the same items at the rate of Tk 1.40 per kg.
"Such illegal realisation of charges has frustrated us. We are losing interest and are considering abandoning Chittagong airport which exporting kitchen vegetables, fruits and allied products and will even think of giving up export of the items," an exporter said.
Leaders of Chittagong Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association organised a press conference at Chittagong Press Club this afternoon to take the issue to the competent authority through the media.
The leaders alleged that the Civil Aviation Authority had been realising the charges in addition to the airway bills since February 2007.
"The amount they have realised from us over the last 34 months is no less than Tk 5.0 million," exporters association president Mahboob Rana said. He further said Chittagong airport lacks the equipment facilities which are available in the Dhaka airport.
The exporters have demanded refund of all the extra charges realised from them, immediate withdrawal of the extra charges on weighing and an end to the discriminatory steps taken by the Civil Aviation Authority in Chittagong airport.
CHITTAGONG, Nov 09: Vegetable exporters today alleged that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Chittagong realised Tk 5.0 million (50 lakh) from export of non-traditional items like vegetables as weighing charges through Chittagong Shah Amanat international airport over the last three years.
They said there are no additional 'weighing charges' on export of non-traditional items including vegetables through the Zia International Airport in Dhaka but the Civil Aviation officials in Chittagong are realising extra weighing charges on export of the same items at the rate of Tk 1.40 per kg.
"Such illegal realisation of charges has frustrated us. We are losing interest and are considering abandoning Chittagong airport which exporting kitchen vegetables, fruits and allied products and will even think of giving up export of the items," an exporter said.
Leaders of Chittagong Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association organised a press conference at Chittagong Press Club this afternoon to take the issue to the competent authority through the media.
The leaders alleged that the Civil Aviation Authority had been realising the charges in addition to the airway bills since February 2007.
"The amount they have realised from us over the last 34 months is no less than Tk 5.0 million," exporters association president Mahboob Rana said. He further said Chittagong airport lacks the equipment facilities which are available in the Dhaka airport.
The exporters have demanded refund of all the extra charges realised from them, immediate withdrawal of the extra charges on weighing and an end to the discriminatory steps taken by the Civil Aviation Authority in Chittagong airport.