Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment producer, has opted to reroute its textile exports through the Maldives instead of India, significantly boosting the Maldives’ role in regional logistics. This shift leverages the Maldives’ sea-to-air transshipment services, facilitated by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), enhancing the nation’s potential as a key transit hub in South Asia.
Previously, Bangladesh relied on Indian airports and seaports for shipping textiles to global markets. However, the Maldives now offers a faster and more controlled route for Bangladeshi exporters, allowing goods to be transported to Malé by sea and then dispatched by air to destinations worldwide. The Maldives’ strategic location has attracted leading apparel brands, including H&M and Zara, to route goods via Maldivian ports and airports, enabling faster access to global markets.
MPL has been instrumental in facilitating this shift. Since the launch of the sea-to-air transshipment service in March 2024, MPL and the Maldives Airports Company Ltd have worked in tandem to streamline the logistics chain for international trade. The first transshipment shipment, arriving in May 2024, consisted of Bangladeshi garments transported by sea to Malé and subsequently flown to Germany via Turkish Airlines. This successful operation highlighted the efficiency and reliability of the Maldives’ logistics infrastructure, setting a new standard for regional transshipment.
Seven major airlines – Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Gulf Air, Neos Airlines, and Etihad Airways – are now part of the Maldives’ expanding transshipment network, bringing increased opportunities for Maldivian ports and contributing to MPL’s growth as a regional trade facilitator. This shift not only positions the Maldives as an alternative route for high-volume textile shipments but also diversifies MPL’s offerings, bringing additional revenue and international recognition.
Arun Kumar, president of the Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India, acknowledged Bangladesh’s strategic move, noting that by using the Maldives as a transit point, Bangladeshi exporters gain greater control over their supply chain and avoid delays sometimes experienced at Indian ports. This change enhances the reliability of shipments, a crucial factor for meeting tight deadlines in the global fashion industry.
The Maldives’ strategic location and MPL’s transshipment services provide Bangladesh with a logistical advantage that can help it meet seasonal demands and avoid the potential losses associated with delayed deliveries. Textiles, often considered perishable due to their season-specific demand, benefit from the Maldives’ streamlined sea-to-air transport, which minimises transit times and ensures timely deliveries.
Indian exporters had varying perspectives on Bangladesh’s decision, with some expressing relief given existing congestion at Indian airports. Anil Buchasia of India’s Apparel Export Promotion Council stated that Indian exporters had previously requested a reduction in Bangladeshi textiles passing through Indian airports, citing logistical strain.
Bangladesh’s textile industry, which comprises 80 per cent of its exports and 13 per cent of its GDP, is the backbone of its economy. By utilising Maldivian transshipment services, the country aims to further its export efficiency while avoiding potential delays in India. The Maldives’ transshipment route is gaining traction as a viable alternative for exporters in the region, fostering economic ties and creating new opportunities for MPL.
As MPL continues to grow its transshipment capabilities, the Maldives is poised to play a pivotal role in South Asia’s logistics landscape, offering a streamlined and efficient option for countries seeking reliable and swift export routes. With further expansions and partnerships, MPL and the Maldives stand to strengthen their reputation as a crucial link in the regional and global supply chain.
