Bhubaneswar, Sep 5 : India is strengthening its position as a global centre for the blue economy, taking the lead in crafting the next phase of South Asia’s maritime history, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
In the run-up to the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023, held here on Tuesday, Sonowal said India is on the cusp of a new era in its maritime sector.
The country, he said, is beginning a journey of progress through technological advancements and infrastructure enhancement for a welcoming business environment.
The roadshow was attended by eminent minds and industry leaders, igniting discussions around key opportunities, innovation, and the roadmap towards a sustainable future for the Indian Maritime industry.
In his special message, the Union Minister said “These roadshows exemplify our commitment to fostering linkages and collaboration in order to advance the Indian Maritime Industry.
The Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision and establishing GMIS 2023 as a hub driving growth while supporting our Government’s broad goals are essential to our transformational journey towards maritime excellence., he said.
Sonowal said the roadshow highlights both “our shared cultural ties and our commitment as a group to make a substantial regional impact”.
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur said “Today’s event mirrors our nation’s collective maritime aspirations, underlining Bhubaneswar pivotal role in this united voyage.”
He said Maritime India sets sail towards a transformative future with the ambitious Vision 2030!
From record-breaking cargo traffic and port capacity growth to cutting-edge legislative reforms, India’s maritime sector charts a course for international excellence.
With increased autonomy and global best practices, Thakur said “ We are making waves in ease of doing business.
The world takes note as India’s Maritime prowess continues to surge, contributing 12 percent to global seafarers and fostering port-led industrialization, he said, adding this is just the beginning of our maritime journey!”
The event brought together industry experts and government officials, fostering dynamic discussions on crucial opportunities within the Indian Maritime sector.
Joint secretary, Ministry of Ports, shipping and waterways Bhushan Kumar anticipated a surge in automated ports and terminals stating that “we have strategically aligned all future developments under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
This partnership with the private sector is poised to not only elevate the efficiency of our ports but also revolutionize their performance and enhanced productivity standards., he added”
Paradip Port Chairman PL Haranadh in his welcome address said that “The GMIS 2023 is a great opportunity not only for Paradip Port but also for other ports of Odisha like Gopalpur, Dhamra, Subarnarekha, and Astaranga ports.
All these ports, he said should not compete, but collaborate and cooperate with each other to provide a logistically convenient ecosystem to all the stakeholders in Odisha”.
