Sonowal Inaugurates BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday inaugurated the second edition of the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, reiterating India’s ambition to emerge as a global maritime hub.

Organised by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the two-day conclave is being held under the theme "Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships." The event brings together ministerial delegations, maritime experts, port authorities, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member nations to explore regional cooperation and sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

In his address, Sonowal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision 2030 and 2047 envisions India as a global maritime leader. He described the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave as a strategic platform to unlock the vast blue economy potential of the Bay of Bengal region. Emphasising India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the minister said BIMSTEC nations—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—are crucial partners in driving regional prosperity.

Sonowal called for stronger collaboration among member states to advance port-led industrialisation, enhance digital connectivity, boost cruise tourism, and develop coastal economic zones. He urged the countries to create a seamless and efficient network of ports, supported by joint feasibility studies, public-private partnerships, and focused skill development in the maritime workforce.

A key announcement from the minister was the establishment of a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. The initiative aims to promote environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices across the region.

During the conclave, Sonowal also inaugurated several infrastructure projects at Visakhapatnam Port, including the new Oil Refinery Berth-2, firefighting facilities at the OSTT Berth, a new Port Operating System, and a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS). Additionally, he laid the foundation stones for the construction of a B-Ramp in the port area, a finger jetty and wharf at the fishing harbour, and two additional breasting dolphins at the OSTT.

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