The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, SEPT 5, 2023
India is on the cusp of a new era in its maritime sector and the country is beginning a journey of progress through technological advancements and infrastructure enhancement for a welcoming business environment, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal while inaugurating the roadshow in the run-up to the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)-2023, in the capital city of Odisha on Tuesday.
In his special message, Sonowal emphasized that “these road shows 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 added.
The Union Shipping Minister further said: “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. This road show highlights both our shared cultural ties and our commitment as a group to make a substantial regional impact.”
Giving his perspective on the summit’s objectives, 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.”
“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, we’re making waves in ease of doing business. The world takes note as India’s Maritime prowess continues to surge, contributing 12 per cent to global seafarers and fostering port-led industrialization. This is just the beginning of our maritime journey,” said Thakur.
He further emphasized on the strategic importance of promoting maritime development and connectivity in a region like Bhubaneswar, which holds both historical maritime significance and considerable economic promise. The event brought together industry experts and government officials, fostering dynamic discussions on crucial opportunities within the Indian Maritime sector.
In his welcome address, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Chairman PL Haranadh 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 should not compete, but collaborate and cooperate with each other to provide a logistically convenient ecosystem to all the stakeholders in Odisha,” he added.
MoPSW Joint Secretary Bhushan Kumar, in his address, said that the Government anticipates a surge in automated ports and terminals as 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 enhance productivity standards,” he said.
Conveying a significant message that underscores influential endeavours targeted at strengthening the foundational aspects of the maritime industry, Odisha Industries Department Principal Secretary Hemant Sharma said, “Our government sails full steam ahead in recognizing the maritime sector’s pivotal role in our nation’s industrial development. As we set sail towards the Global Maritime Investment Summit 2023, it’s a tide of opportunity for our maritime industries. We invite global investors to ride this wave, boosting growth, jobs, and innovation in our maritime businesses. Join us at the summit to not only showcase our industry but also chart a course for collaboration, forge partnerships, and navigate toward a brighter future together.”
State Commerce & Transport Department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee said, “We will be bringing in our ideas and thought processes, which can be shared, and I request all our entrepreneurs here, who are the stakeholders in the entire domain, to be a part of it. Together, we can grow, and we can be the leader, which we deserve at the global level”.
The event gathered eminent minds and industry leaders, igniting discussions around key opportunities, innovation, and the roadmap towards a sustainable future for the Indian Maritime industry.
The 7th roadshow, led by Paradip Port, paves the way for the three-day Global Maritime India Summit 2023 beginning October 17 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Previous roadshows unfolded in Chennai, Kolkata, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, Goa, and Guwahati.
GMIS aims to ignite connections, foster collaboration, and inspire innovation under the theme ‘Connect, Collaborate & Create,’ with FICCI as the exclusive industry partner.
The Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)-2023, in which more than 40 countries will participate, aims at propelling the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.
GMIS-2023 includes an investor summit and an international exhibition to facilitate interaction and collaboration among the Indian and international maritime companies, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders. It will have five plenary sessions and six break-out sessions. On the concluding day i.e. October 19, there will be a special session with Odisha.
