Shah Alam Nur :Country’s exporters, including those of apparel sector, are facing difficulties in Australian markets, as the Aussies government has imposed restriction on air shipment.The restriction will affect Bangladesh’s balance of export and import with Australia, say the traders.According to data of the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported products worth $606.88 million to Australia last year, including apparel items amounting to $533.62 million.Australia has imposed embargo on air shipment from Bangladesh and four other countries, which, according to local apparel exporters, has put an adverse impact on their exports to the potential market.The Office of Transport Security Division of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development of Australia placed the restriction citing security grounds with effect from December 19. The Australian government has imposed restrictions on the air cargo originated or transited through Syria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Yemen and Somalia.The restrictions are a ‘preventive security measure’, against threat and risk environment in these countries.””We are worried with the restriction as Australia is a very good market for us,” Abdus Salam Murshedy, former President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association told The New Nation.He said at present, Bangladeshi garment items enjoy zero-duty access to Australia. The sanction is imposed during the peak shipment period for garment exporters.The businessman is, therefore, unable to send finished products by air following the restriction.Faruque Hassan, Vice-President of BGMEA said, they are now worried about the future trade with the potential market. He said “We have raised the issue with the concerned ministries for resolving it shortly.”He said, “We make air shipments mainly for two reasons. These are, if shipments are delayed or there is urgency from the buyers.” He said, Australia is a potential and emerging market for Bangladesh.Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Hedayetullah Al Mamoon said they have taken initiative, including diplomatic efforts, to get the recent Australian restriction on air cargoes from the country lifted.He said as part of the move, concerned officials from Foreign, commerce and Civil Aviation Ministries have started working to find out possible solutions to the issue.He said, “We are aware of the latest Australian embargo. Now, we, the concerned agencies, including the Foreign Ministry, are scrutinising the nature of restriction and trying to find a way to address the issue.”
