Union Minister launches 2-day BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the second edition of BIMSTEC Ports Conclave here today. The two-day event has played a critical role in strengthening regional maritime connectivity, port cooperation, and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. The event is being attended by policymakers, high end officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector stakeholders, and academic scholars  from all seven BIMSTEC nations, I.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka & Thailand. Envisaging the role of BIMSTEC Ports Conclave as the springboard for sustainable development of port led industrial clusters, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared his vision and 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 Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has a"Neighbourhood First" Policy and in this sees BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity. 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. Together, we aim to create a seamless and efficient network of ports that can serve as engines of growth. Through joint feasibility studies, PPP, and skill development of our maritime workforce, we can transform our region into a thriving hub of global trade, tourism, and sustainable economic progress.” Building upon the momentum of the 1st BIMSTEC Ports Conclave, the meet aims to operationalise the recently signed BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), facilitate dialogue on port-led development, and foster deeper integration in maritime trade, logistics, cruise tourism, and skill development. The Conclave is designed to chart a common path towards a sustainable, resilient, and integrated maritime future for the Bay of Bengal, promoting robust economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship. India was first to ratify the agreement. The Union Minister called upon its speedy ratification of AMTC and implementation. Sarbananda Sonowal announced that 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. Underlining the role of this centre to operationalise AMTC BIMSTEC, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The centre marks a significant step forward in operationalising the BIMSTEC AMTC pact. This Centre will act as a catalyst for harmonising maritime policies, advancing digital and green transformation, and building the skills and capacity of our maritime workforce. By fostering collaboration and innovation, it will help reduce trade costs, enhance connectivity, and position the Bay of Bengal as a vibrant, sustainable hub of regional and global trade.” The Conclave featured two key sessions shaping BIMSTEC’s maritime future. The first focused on boosting private sector investment and PPPs to overcome outdated infrastructure and limited coordination, proposing a regional PPP facilitation platform and harmonised laws. The