Historically, ports have played a key role in the growth of cities and expansion of business - especially export and import. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkatta and Kochi have developed into important commercial centers of the country because they are essentially port-based and have benefited immensely from export / import activity.

Over the years, the country's foreign trade has grown in volume. Economic and trade liberalisation policies of the government have accelerated the pace of trade activity. With that, the complexities of business too have increased. Interpretation of related laws, procedural formalities, high cost infrastructure and ever-expanding demand for facilities and services have combined to make Exim trade a really challenging area of economic activity.