Visakhapatnam, Jul 14 (PTI) Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday inaugurated the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ports Conclave here, stressing that India aims to emerge as a global maritime hub.
Hosted by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the two-day conclave is themed as 'Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships', bringing together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries.
"Prime Minister's Vision 2030 and 2047 aims to make India a global maritime leader," said Sonowal, addressing the conclave.
He said the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave stands as a springboard to unlock the immense potential of blue economy from the Bay of Bengal region.
"Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has a "Neighbourhood First" policy and in this sees BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity," said Sonowal.
"We want this platform to enhance collaboration among all member nations for strengthening port led industrialisation, digital integration and skill development which in turn boost cruise tourism, and foster coastal economic zones," he said.
According to the minister, BIMSTEC member countries--India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand--should aim to create a seamless and efficient network of ports that could serve as engines of growth.
Through joint feasibility studies, PPP (Public Private Partnership), and skill development of maritime workforce, Sonowal said BIMSTEC can transform the region into a thriving hub of global trade, tourism, and sustainable economic progress.
Further, Sonowal said a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre is going to be established under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai.
He inaugurated multiple projects in the port, such as new oil refinery berth-2, fire fighting facilities at OSTT Berth, new port operating system, vessel traffic management system (VTMS) and others.
Moreover, he laid the foundation stone for the construction of B-Ramp in the port area, finger jetty and wharf in fishing harbour, two additional breasting dolphins at OSTT and others.