PPP terminals are handling around 50% of cargo at major ports, says Minister
Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has briefed diplomats from more than 40 countries on “unlocking the investment opportunities in India’s maritime sector” and the country’s policy of 100% FDI through automatic route for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbours.
The Public Private Privatization has played a pivotal role and currently PPP terminals are handling around 50% of cargo at major ports, he told 21 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Trade Commissioners and 23 other diplomats.
He underscored the global interest in the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023) to be held on 17-19 Oct 2023 in New Delhi at the Ambassador’s Meet held on 11 Aug.
The meeting witnessed participation from diverse regions, including Africa, ASEAN, and the CIS. Among the prominent attendees were Ambassadors, Deputy High Commissioners, Charge d’affaires, and other diplomats from countries such as USA, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Australia, Finland, Norway, Netherland, Russia, Malaysia, Qatar, Maldives, Georgia, and Commonwealth of Independent Countries (CIS) countries each representing their nation’s commitment to maritime collaboration.
In addition, Shripad Naik, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs; Meenakshi Lekhi, the Minister of State for External Affairs; and V. Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs attended the event.
Sonowal, in his address, emphasised India’s vast potential in the maritime sector and stated, “In this era of globalization, the maritime sector has emerged as a leading light of economic growth, facilitating the movement of goods, services and ideas across borders. India’s ports and waterways have undergone transformational changes, becoming facilitators of trade on a global scale.
“Our Flagship Initiative ‘Sagarmala’ seeks to integrate our ports with industrial and logistical corridors, further enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency.”
The event follows the launch of Curtain Raiser of the 3rd Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai last month which garnered huge attention from the maritime community from across the globe.
GMIS 2023 is a premier maritime sector focussed event to bring together pivotal figures from the industry to explore opportunities, understand challenges, and stimulate investment within India’s maritime sector. Building upon the legacy of its preceding editions, this third instalment aims to unveil broader prospects for domestic and international maritime stakeholders and investors.
Ready to make its presence felt on the global stage and spotlight India’s maritime industry, the Maritime India Summit has now evolved to the ‘Global’ Maritime India Summit this year. The summit is with FICCI as the exclusive industry partner. Fiinews.com
