Air cargo is a trade facilitator that contributes to global economic development. The global economy depends highly on the ability to deliver high-quality products at competitive prices to consumers worldwide. The biggest advantage shippers gain when shipping air cargo is speed, which can be as fast as same-day delivery. This mode of transportation offers the fastest shipping times, as well as reliable arrival and departure times making it convenient for the exporters.

Mr. Saswat Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha chaired the session and deliberated on the role of MSME Department in facilitating exports from the state and the role of DEPM Odisha for accelerating exports. He also highlighted how cargo operations from Bhubaneswar would help in curbing financial losses incurred by exporters by using other airports of the country for their businesses having operations in the state itself. He urged the big players in the industry to initiate and operate from BPIA for their exports so that the small industries can be benefitted from the same. He further enlightened about the BCAS Certification for BPIA which is underway.

Mr. Prasanna Pradhan, Airport Director, Biju Patnaik International Airport in his address informed that the Infrastructural Issues to be taken up on a priority and be fulfilled by 31^st August 2023. He deliberated on 20 observations of BPIA to be resolved in order to commence cargo operations.

Mr. Puspal Chakraborty, Senior Manager, Cargo Operations, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd.), BPIA deliberated on the IATA specifications being a crucial aspect of CARGO Operations. He further deliberated on the bonded cargo and international cargo operations, port sharing facilities and its significance, crucial European Stations for shared cargo operations, role of cargo agencies etc. In addition to that, he spoke on the relevance of direct flights to Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, USA etc for the export scenario of the state.

Mr. Debasish Sahani, Assistant Director, India Post, Bhubaneswar accentuated Dak Niryat Scheme by the Government of India, parcel packaging facilities in post offices, cost value of consignments based on order value or weight, compensation schemes and tax refund benefits for small exporters. He also highlighted the India Post Way Bill generation through DGFT Website to be reflected in Ice gate.

Mr. Susanta Mishra, Joint Commissioner, Customs Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar spoke about 25 custom licenses crucial for cargo operations, role of Custom House Agents (CHAs) and charges for customs clearance during his deliberations in the session.

Mr. Rajen Padhi, Commercial Director, B-One Business House and Honorary Convener, International Trade Promotion Think Tank, WTC Bhubaneswar highlighted the role of CHAs and IATA regulations for Airway bills to be processed, highlighted the bottlenecks in the sector and the resolutions that can be worked upon.

Representatives from AAICLAS (AAI Cargo and Allied Services Company Limited), DEPM Odisha and MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) Bhubaneswar were also present in the session. Exporters from various sectors also presented their issues and suggestions during the program.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar moderated the session and proposed the vote of thanks.

The program was held on Wednesday, 2^nd August 2023 at IDCO Conference Hall, 5^th Floor, IDCO Towers, Bhubaneswar.