Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], July 16 (ANI): India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam from July 14–15 on the theme “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement.
The conclave was inaugurated by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and featured delegations from BIMSTEC member states, including officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private-sector leaders, and regional development partners.
The discussions focused on harmonizing customs procedures, enhancing logistical links to boost intra-regional trade, port-linked industrial zones, cruise tourism, digital integration, maritime workforce upskilling, industry–academia collaboration, and green shipping, among other areas.
In his opening remarks, Union Minister Sonowal underscored how the sea serves as a connector, not a divider, for BIMSTEC nations. “Since its inception in 1997, BIMSTEC has prioritized connectivity as a fundamental area of cooperation. Sea doesn’t separate but rather connects us closely. It is seamless, eco-friendly, and cost-effective — always beneficial for all of us,” he said.
Sonowal called the conclave a “springboard” to unlock the immense potential of the Blue Economy in the Bay of Bengal region. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Neighbourhood First policy views BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity. “We want this platform to enhance collaboration among all member nations for strengthening port-led industrialization, digital integration, and skill development, which in turn will boost cruise tourism and foster coastal economic zones,” he said.
Sonowal also announced 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 MEA noted that this initiative, aligned with India’s Neighbourhood First policy, will further strengthen maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. (ANI)
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