The Green connection: Linking R.I. airport to new destinations seen as helping state attract new businesses

The airport corporation hopes to position Green to bring in more revenue for itself as well as provide the state with a card to play to recruit new companies.

John Hill Journal Staff Writer jghilliii

WARWICK, R.I. — In true Rhode Island tradition, Iftikhar Ahmad wants T. F. Green Airport to be, like, you know, connected.

In the eleven months since he took over as chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, it has. With recent announcements by Norwegian, Frontier, Allegiant and OneJet airlines, T. F Green has nearly doubled, from 17 to 33, the number of cities its airlines fly to directly, adding destinations in Scotland, Ireland and Norway as well as Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

It's part of a strategy the airport corporation hopes will position Green to bring in more revenue for itself as well as provide the state with a card to play when it looks to recruit new companies to the Ocean State.

"It is an asset of Rhode Island," Ahmad said. "We have a role to play."

When Ahmad arrived in October 2016, Green's passenger counts had been stagnant at about 3.6 million annually for four years.

Ahmad, who has worked at or run airports in Houston, Nashville, Dayton, and New Orleans, said his goals for T. F. Green were to increase the number of jobs there from around 2,400 to 4,000 and to boost the airport's impact on the state economy — the money the visitors who pass through it spend here — from the currently estimated $2.6 billion a year to $4 billion.

That effort kicked into gear in February, when Norwegian announced its non-stop flights to Norway, Scotland and Ireland, Green's first year-round connection to the British Isles and continental Europe. In May, Frontier landed, with a long-coveted Providence-to-Denver route, as well as flights to New Orleans, Miami and Raleigh/Durham. The smaller Allegiant and OneJet came this summer. Ahmad said the next goal is more European connections and some to Central and South America.

The new airlines fit with T.F. Green's strategy to draw business from Boston's Logan Airport by attracting bargain-hunting travelers.

"In a 90-mile radius there are seven million people," Ahmad said. "How do you take it from Logan and bring it here? By being cheaper than Logan." A check last week of about 300 cars parked in a long-term parking lot showed 41 percent were from Rhode Island, 37 percent from Massachusetts and 16 percent from Connecticut.

Michael Boyd, president of Boyd International, a Denver-based air industry consulting company, said in the past Green could use convenience to lure Logan travelers, because traffic congestion made it difficult to get in and out of Boston quickly.

"Well, they fixed that," with the highway relocations of the Big Dig, Boyd said.

By adding flights to major hubs like Denver and Chicago, Boyd said Green can plug into international routes that enable travelers to get to Asia or Europe.

When Green goes looking for a new airline, Ahmad said it wants two things: a destination no one else at Green flies to and low-cost fares.

Before this year, just under half of the traffic at Green was with the low-cost Southwest Airlines. Frontier, Norwegian, OneJet and Allegiant are smaller but similar, looking to get people from one place to another at the lowest fare.

Allegiant would never consider locating at Logan, said Dustin Hall, the airline's manager at T. F. Green, because the cost of doing business there would blow its budget.

Logan needs higher paying airlines, he said, and customers. It costs more for one day of parking at Logan — $53 — than the $38 Allegiant charges to fly from Providence to Cincinnati.

Ahmad said airports can help cities, and their states, attract new businesses and keep the ones they have. Most of the types of employers Rhode Island would like to lure to the state will have far-flung operations, regional locations of their own as well as supplier locations their people will need to visit.

Ahmad was manager at the Dayton, Ohio, airport in 2009, when National Cash Register announced it was leaving the city where it was founded for Atlanta. One of the reasons NCR gave was that Dayton Airport didn't have flights to places the company needed to go. He said he still remembers friends either losing their jobs or being forced to relocate to keep them.

"It is very important that the state is connected," Ahmad said. "It isn't companies doing business with other companies; it's people who do business with other people."

An earlier version of this report incorrectly described Green's connection to Europe.

Source: The Green connection: Linking R.I. airport to new destinations seen as helping state attract new businesses

Seven top underrated holiday destinations where you’re guaranteed a warm welcome

After another season of tourist gridlock at the world's A-list sightseeing destinations, the search for alternatives is driving travellers ever further off the beaten track. Try Palawan if you think Boracay's days are numbered, Flores instead of Bali and Xishuangbanna rather than Yangshuo.

But there is a sure-fire way to avoid the holiday honeypots and backpacker bottlenecks; seek out cities and towns overlooked by guidebooks and travel brochures – less fashionable spots that lack a portfolio of must-see attractions but are teeming with helpful locals who are delighted, if slightly puzzled, that you've chosen to visit their hometown.

Destined to play perennial bridesmaid, these underrated regions, forgotten countries and places without postcards are usually overshadowed by more famous rivals, but don't let that put you off.

1. Isaan, Thailand

More than 32 million people visited Thailand in 2016. They flocked to Bangkok, baked on the beaches and descended on Chiang Mai in record numbers. Few made it to the northeastern region of Isaan, an agricultural backwater lacking a coastline, hill tribes or well-established tourism infrastructure.

Made up of 20 provinces, Isaan shares its culture, language and cuisine with neighbours Laos and Cambodia. Discover ancient Khmer temples at Buriram, hike in the mountainous national parks of Loei province and fill up on papaya salad and sticky rice; both dishes originated in this part of Thailand.

Bangkok - the good, bad and ugly sides to the Thai capital for visitors

CNN Travel included the area in its list of 17 best places to visit in 2017, describing Isaan as "still largely unexplored by the inter­national market". Living costs are a pleasant surprise after Bangkok or Phuket and the smiles seem even broader in the cities of Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Nong Khai, which sits on the banks of the mighty Mekong and serves as a gateway to Laos.

2. Moldova

The 2017 Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget finds space for 37 nations within its 1,207 pages but not poor old Moldova. Sightseeing attractions in the capital, Chisinau, are limited, so find an agreeable cafe on a tree-lined boulevard, order a coffee and see who wants to practise their English. You won't wait long.

Live and let … live

For something stronger, book a wine-tasting tour. At least 150 vineyards are scattered across Europe's poorest country – the cellars at Milestii Mici are recognised as the world's largest, with more than 1.5 million bottles in storage.

Most surreal of all is a day trip through a rural landscape punctuated by monasteries and churches to "non-existent" Transnistria, which looks to Russia, culturally and linguistically. Take your passport, although no one recognises the breakaway republic, not even the Kremlin.

3. Siquijor, the Philippines

This Visayan gem gives many Filipinos the shivers due to its reputation for witch­craft and sorcery. The superstitious are missing out on waterfalls, rainforests, natural springs and pristine beaches lapped by inviting seas ideal for snorkel­ling.

A rebranding exercise aimed at updating Siquijor's image, from a mysterious land of black magic to an island of healing, seems to be working. The annual Healing Festival draws spiritual souls in search of herbal remedies, love potions and concoctions to chase away evil spirits.

Sea kayaking in pristine Palawan, the Philippines

For the rest of the year, the third smallest province in the Philippines reverts to a witch-free slice of paradise.

4. Birmingham, England

An online image search of "iconic sights: Birmingham" throws up a depart­ment store and a busy traffic intersection. Admittedly, the space-age facade of the Selfridges building has won architectural awards and the Gravelly Hill Interchange, better known as Spaghetti Junction, is sort of iconic, at least to highway engineers.

Hollywood actor Telly Savalas praised Birmingham's homage to Brutalist architecture in a 1980s promotional film, but times change and "Brum" has undergone a series of makeovers aimed at prioritising people over poured concrete. Birmingham is now the most popular destination for Londoners wishing to make a new start outside the capital.

5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Talking of less polished second cities in need of a little love and attention, there are worse places in which to pause than Kaohsiung. Taiwan's largest port and centre of the island's petrochemical industry is short on conventional sightseeing attractions, but that's OK; Paris and Tokyo can have the tourist hordes.

Allow half a day at the Pier 2 Art Centre, a revamped warehouse that houses art installations, hip coffee shops, bookstores and boutiques. Go underground to admire the kaleido­scopic Dome of Light glass mural at Formosa Boulevard, dubbed the world's most beautiful metro station. Hire a bike and pedal past the temples, pavilions and pagodas at Lotus Pond and finish up at either Kaisyuan or Jin-Zuan, both of which claim to be the biggest night market in Southeast Asia.

6. Girona, Spain

Visitors stopping overnight in Girona often end up staying longer. The laid-back Catalan city receives its share of tourists but nothing like the onslaught nearby Barcelona endures. Experience the artistry of Gaudi (and Messi) one day, then make a beeline for the Pyrenees the next. Girona is only a 30-minute drive to the Costa Brava, where fishermen's cottages tumble down pine-covered cliffs to inviting turquoise waters.

Alternatively, venture no further than Girona's steep cobblestone alleyways, cathedral and Roman city walls. The perimeter path, or Passeig Arqueològic, enables those on foot to navigate around much of the old town. Appetite piqued, head to the Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, twice ranked the world's best restaurant. You did remember to book six months ago, didn't you?

7. Olomouc, Czech Republic

As Prague and Cesky Krumlov drown in a sea of selfie sticks, distant Olomouc sneaks under the sightseeing radar. In 2014, Lonely Planet ranked the university town first in its list of 50 Top Secret Spots, describing it as "surprisingly majestic" and "practically unknown outside the Czech Republic and underappreciated even at home".

Join a walking tour and soak up the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural splendour, minus the masses. Afterwards, find a bar, order a glass of the world's best beer and see how many friends you make before you finish it. When I visited the tourist information office on the delightful main square, friendly staff asked if we could exchange email addresses and keep in touch. I bet that doesn't happen in Prague.

Source: Seven top underrated holiday destinations where you're guaranteed a warm welcome

10 European destinations that are still largely undiscovered by tourists

Shutterstock / Vlada Photo

France, Spain, and Italy have long taken the limelight when it comes to popular travel destinations in Europe, but some of the continent's most rewarding and best-kept secrets are set off-the-beaten path. From the Balkans to the Baltic Sea, here are our picks for the 10 best (mostly) undiscovered places in Europe.

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Source: 10 European destinations that are still largely undiscovered by tourists

Jet2 launch cheap flights to European ski resorts - how to get tickets

Jet2.com has announced its biggest ever nationwide ski programme.

The budget carrier is launching the programme - including flights to two ski destinations from East Midlands Airport this winter - as customers start booking their ski trips following the summer holiday.

Coventry families can take advantage of up to FIVE weekly flights to two top ski destinations from East Midlands Airport: Geneva and Salzburg.

In total, more than 20,000 seats are available to the best slopes in Europe from East Midlands Airport.

The company has scheduled the majority of ski flights from East Midlands to operate on weekends, perfectly timed for those looking to shred the slopes over the weekend.

Hundreds of Brits are expected to jet abroad thanks to last minute summer holiday deals. Read More

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: "We are delighted to be developing our ski programme this year, which includes flights from East Midlands Airport to Geneva and Salzburg.

"People in the area are clearly turning their attentions to the slopes, as we have seen a jump in bookings in September which bodes well for the season ahead.

"With friendly flight times on a weekend, alongside 22kg of baggage and ski allowance, we're confident of very busy and popular ski flights from East Midlands Airport this winter."

Read More

To launch the programme, Jet2.com is offering half price ski carriage on flights to Geneva and Salzburg from East Midlands Airport.

The promotion applies if you make a new booking between today (19 September 2017) and 12 October 2017, and are travelling between 30 November 2017 and 30 April 2018 on any of the above routes.

So book before 12 October and you'll save a whopping £25 on your ski carriage (normally £50 return).

There's snow way you'll want to miss out!

See www.Jet2.com/ski for more.

Source: Jet2 launch cheap flights to European ski resorts - how to get tickets

The 10 Sunniest Destinations in Europe

As fall approaches and the sun starts setting earlier each day, we're already thinking about what destinations are best for getting our necessary dose of Vitamin D. European countries aren't often considered the sunniest spots, but there are certain cities that are better suited for avoiding the dreaded seasonal affective disorder. We consulted the stats at Current Results, which ranked European capitals and cities with over one million people by the average annual hours of sunshine they receive. While this limits smaller cities from the list, all of these locations make for great travel spots and jumping off points for nearby destinations when you're looking to catch some rays.

Grand Harbour Hotel/Oyster

Taking the number one spot is Valletta, the capital of the small island country of Malta. With an average of 2957 hours of sunshine per year, Valetta is not just a great pick for sun-seeking travelers. Founded in 1565 as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades, the city is packed with history and protected by fortified city walls. Baroque architecture is on display throughout, particularly at the 16th-century St. John's Co-Cathedral, which houses a Caravaggio painting. The widespread Mediterranean views, fine-dining restaurants, and array of museums add to its appeal. 

Hotel Pick:

Residence du Vieux Port/Oyster

Set a two-hour drive west of Saint-Tropez, Marseille is a port city along the Mediterranean Sea in southern France. It's the second-largest city in France, after Paris, and was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. The boat-filled port is certainly the heart of the city, but its historic sites like the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, gorgeous national park, and stretches of beach are all worth a visit. Ride the Big Wheel Marseille (Ferris wheel) in the Old Port area for lovely vistas. 

Hotel Pick:

Tram at Rua da Bica/Oyster

The charming and historic capital of Portugal, Lisbon is the third-sunniest spot in Europe. It's built on seven hills, which can make getting around difficult, but views of the red-tiled roofs and ocean are beautiful. Colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and trams at every turn are visually stunning, and a plethora of museums, excellent shopping, and an artsy vibe mean visitors are never in short supply of activities. It's also often regarded as one of the liveliest nightlife spots, with a visible LGBT presence.

Hotel Pick:

Divani Caravel Hotel/Oyster

One of the world's oldest cities, Athens is seeped in history -- including the iconic Acropolis, Parthenon, and Hadrian's Library ruins. It also happens to receive an average of 2771 hours of annual sunshine. Exceptional architecture and museums make this a must-visit for many travelers, as do buzzing nightlife, the Monastiraki flea market, and delectable cuisine. Although the city and country were hit hard by the economic crisis, and pollution and tourists are downsides, it's still a popular destination for a reason. The Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos also receive a lot of sun and are well worth adding to an itinerary.

Hotel Pick:

Chueca/Oyster

Set in central Spain, the capital city of Madrid is overflowing with a mix of historic and modern attractions. World-class museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofia, greenery-filled parks, striking architecture, and open-air markets selling antiques and other goods are just some of the alluring points of interest here. Football fans will likely want to add a visit to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of the Real Madrid team, while foodies can sample everything from cheap street eats to fine-dining tapas fare. Nightlife is exceptional here (though be aware it starts very late), and evenings are often capped with the famous churros and chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines.

Hotel Pick:

Fairmont Monte Carlo/Oyster

The tiny city-state of Monaco is near the France and Italy border on the French Riviera. Known for wealth, travelers here can expect to see a yacht-lined harbor, the opulent Prince's Palace of Monaco (the official royal residence), and people dressed to the nines at the famed Monte Carlo Casino. The prestigious Monaco Grand Prix occurs here, and visitors can also spend their days exploring the beach, opera house, Japanese Garden, and chandelier-clad Le Metropole Shopping Center.

Hotel Pick:

NH Nice/Oyster

Just over a 30-minute drive from Monaco is the lovely seaside city of Nice, France. With its mild climate, it became popular as a winter escape for Europe's elite in the 19th century, but remains a year-round travel destination today. The beaches are lovely, albeit pebbly, and its long history of attracting artists is commemorated at museums showcasing work by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. Exploring the old town, walking the waterfront Promenade des Anglais, and taking in the breathtaking view from Castle Hill are all popular outings.

Hotel Pick:

8. Tirana, Albania

spaztacular/Flickr

Sitting northwest of Greece is Albania's capital of Tirana, with a population estimated to be around 475,000 and 2544 hours of sunshine on average each year. The city has a storied past, from its founding by an Ottoman general to its 45-plus years under a Communist dictator, but while remnants remain, Tirana is much different today. The city is abuzz with brightly and artfully painted buildings, hip bars, and fine-dining eateries, plus several excellent museums to learn about its past. East of the city is Mount Dajti, and a cablecar can be taken to the top in 15 minutes for stunning panoramic views. 

Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Gothic Quarter, Barcelona/Oyster

The seafront city of Barcelona is known for its striking Gothic and modernist architecture (the Barcelona Cathedral and Gaudí's Casa Batlló, for example), delicious cuisine from renowned chefs, vibrant nightlife, and a bustling beach. Often considered Spain's most cosmopolitan city, there's a lot to love about this buzzing destination with several distinct neighborhoods. Pleasant weather year-round means crowds are hard to avoid, but the tranquil green areas provide a respite from the bustle.

Hotel Pick:

10. Podgorica, Montenegro

Alex Alishevskikh/Flickr

Taking the number 10 spot with an average of 2480 hours of sunshine each year is Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, a country that sits just north of Albania along the Adriatic Sea. Ruled by the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, followed by Yugoslavia, the country officially gained independence in 2006. Today, its capital doesn't have the seafront appeal of cities like Budva and Petrovac (which see similar amounts of sunshine and are worth a visit), but its rivers crossed by bridges are scenic and magnificent sights like the Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja cathedral fill the area. The nearby Duklja ruins and farther out, but gorgeous, Bukumirsko Lake are not to be missed.

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Source: The 10 Sunniest Destinations in Europe

Exotic hotspots now CHEAPER than Europe – and this is how to make your money go further

Prices have nosedived in far-flung locations including Malaysia, Jamaica, Dubai, the Far East and Central America.

Fierce competition among resort bosses has driven prices in some destinations lower than on the Continent.

A surge in the pound against the Japanese yen and several other currencies has given an added boost.

The findings are revealed in the Post Office's annual long-haul holiday report 2017 published today.

Families can make their money go further in Tokyo, Vietnam, Kenya and Sri Lanka than in Greece or the Spanish Costas.

GETTY

Exotic hotspots now CHEAPER than Europe – and this is how to make your money go furtherRelated articles

Not only is there likely to be more sunshine in exotic destinations but huge price falls make them cheaper than in Europe

Andrew Brown

Prices in Japan, widely regarded as one of the most expensive places in the world, have plummeted over the past year.

The Land of the Rising Sun was named the cheapest out of 30 long-haul destinations including Cape Town, South Africa; Mombasa, Kenya and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Researchers compared the costs of 10 holiday essentials including a cup of coffee, glass of wine and a three-course meal for two.

Prices were found to have fallen in 12 hotspots including Costa Rica, Malaysia, Africa, the Dominican Republic and New Zealand.

Long-haul holidays can work out cheaper than a fortnight on the Continent despite a summer dip in the pound.

GETTY

Prices in Japan have plummeted over the past year

Post Office Travel Money spokesman Andrew Brown said: "Sterling has been improving in value against currencies for long haul holiday reports over the past fortnight which spells good news for holidaymakers in search of winter sun.

"Not only is there likely to be more sunshine in exotic destinations but huge price falls make them cheaper than in Europe.

"Prices in Tokyo are lower than in any eurozone destination and 25 per cent cheaper than in the Algarve or the Costa del Sol, the best value eurozone resort areas.

"What's more the beach resorts of Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Costa Rica are cheaper than the Greek Islands of Crete and Corfu or Mallorca."

Tokyo has topped the latest list of best-value destinations with a basket of holiday essentials costing just £48.90.

GETTY

Cape Town, South Africa, where a basket of goods will cost around £64.50

Prices in the Japanese capital have nosedived 26 per cent over the past year largely due to the flagging economy.

Costs are down 29 per cent in Antigua; 26 per cent in Jamaica; 23 per cent in Dubai and 11 per cent in Vietnam and Costa Rica.

Mr Brown added: "This year's price falls are part of a trend we have seen developing over the past five years since the brakes were applied to Japan's economy.

"Tough competition for business in Tokyo is great news for UK holidaymakers and, with great value packages available as well, Japan is now a much more affordable option."

Second in the 2017 league is Cape Town, South Africa, where a basket of goods will cost around £64.50.

GETTY

A surge in the pound against the Japanese yen and several other currencies has given an added boost

A meal for two including a bottle of wine will cost around £40 while a glass of wine is just over £3 and a cup of coffee £1.24.

Mombasa, Kenya, came third with an overall basket price £68.59 which includes meal at £46, bottle of water at 50p and bottle of lager at £2.10.

The Far East is now also an affordable option with a selection of goods at Vietnam's coastal resort of Hoi An costing around £76.74.

Bali, Indonesia, came sixth at around £77 followed by Tamarindo, Costa Rica, at £79.94 and Orlando, USA, at £80.60.

Thailand's party island Phuket just missed the top ten coming in 11th place with a selection of holiday essentials costing £88.84.

GETTY

Just making top 20 is Beijing, China

Just making top 20 is Beijing, China, where more adventurous travellers will pay around £76 for a meal; £4.44 for a cup of coffee and £5 for a glass of wine.

Oliver Lomas, spokesman for Travelbag which helped compile the data said: "Our customers are keen to make the most of their money when travelling to long-haul destinations, so considering the cost of spending money is of growing importance.

"We have seen an increase in bookings to a range of Caribbean and Asian destinations where rates for local tourist goods have stayed low.

"Since 2016, holidays to Japan and Jamaica have seen a steady increase, with bookings up 23 and 63 per cent respectively year on year."

Latest figures show the pound is up 8.3 per cent against the yen with a rise of 2.5 per cent against the Vietnamese dong and two per cent on both the Jamaican dollar and Kenyan shilling.

Spanish Holiday hotspots Thu, August 10, 2017

Getty Images

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La Concha Bay, San Sebastian

POST OFFICE 2017 TOP 30 LONG-HAUL DESTINATIONS WITH BASKET PRICES

 1. Japan (Tokyo) £48.90

2. South Africa (Cape Town) £64.50

3. Kenya (Mombasa) £68.59

4. Sri Lanka (Colombo) £75.83

5. Vietnam (Hoi An) £76.74

6. Bali (Kuta) £76.95

7. Costa Rica (Tamarindo) £79.94

8. USA (Orlando) £80.60

9. Malaysia (Penang) £81.77

10. Dominican Rep (Punta Cana) £85.34

11. Thailand (Phuket) £88.84

12. Mexico (Cancun) £96.84

13. St Lucia (Rodney Bay) £105.36

14. Jamaica (Montego Bay) £107.50

15. South Korea (Seoul) £108.43

16. USA (New York) £113.23

17. Canada (Vancouver) £113.34

18. Mauritius (Grand Baie) £114.31

19. Antigua (Jolly Beach) £114.72

20. China (Beijing) £120.18

21. Peru (Lima) £120.62

22. Tobago (Scarborough) £124.80

23. Chile (Santiago) £126.10

24. New Zealand (Auckland) £132.36

25. Barbados (St James) £134.13

26. Australia (Darwin) £138.75

27. Oman (Muscat) £141.29

28. Singapore (China Town) £152.34

29. Dubai (Jumeirah Beach) £157.75

30. Brazil (Rio) £160.00

Source: Exotic hotspots now CHEAPER than Europe – and this is how to make your money go further

Export to Europe sees moderate growth in July

Country's export to key European destinations like Germany, the UK, Italy, France showed moderate performance during the first month (July) of the current fiscal (2017-2018) compared to the same period of the previous fiscal (2016-2017), reports UNB.

During July, export to Germany, the second largest destination of Bangladesh exportable items, totalled $459.93 million, which was 15.39 percent of the total export earnings for the period.

Of the amount, knitwear accounted for $257.04 million, woven garment $166.62 million and home textiles $5.76 million, according to latest figures released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The EPB figures showed that exports to the UK in July totalled $346.65 million, which was 11.60 per cent of the total export earnings for the one-month period. The export of woven garment to the UK during the one-month period were $153.59 million, knitwear $168.78 million, home textile export to the UK during the period was $7.38 million, and bicycles $4.91 million.

Exports to France in July reached $152.26 million, which accounted for 5.10 per cent of the total export earnings for the period.

Exports to Italy totalled $122.36 million the last July with knitwear accounting for $78.38 million, woven garment $32.07 million and leather, leather products $1.67 million and footwear with $6.30 million.

Exports to Belgium amounted to $86.26 million that included knitwear $33.83 million, woven garment $32.57 million and jute and jute made goods $1.35 million.

Export earnings from the USA, the largest market for Bangladesh goods, registered a healthy performance during this July with a robust growth of 17.94 percent totalling $497.36 million, which was 16.65 percent of the total export earnings for the one-month period.

The Netherlands, another big export destination for Bangladesh, imported goods form Bangladesh worth $108.05 million during the month of July.

The amount included knitwear $41.42 million, woven garment $33.22 million and footwear $12.23 million.

Among the other European, the Middle East, Far East and South Asian countries, exports to Russia fetched $34.37 million during this July while that of Japan totalled $76.39 million, Singapore $9.32 million and China $63.56 million.

Of the South Asian countries, exports to India amounted to $45.80 million during the July that included jute and jute-made goods $9.58 million and woven garment $10.13 million.

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Source: Export to Europe sees moderate growth in July