Few days back, industrialists from Goa and from other parts of India came together for the launch programme of ‘Vibrant Goa’, which is aimed at giving better national and international exposure to Goan businesses.
It’s an appreciable move, also because the state government supported it. However, central government’s support is also important for Vibrant Goa to be a really fruitful exercise for business community of the State.
The central government, its ministries, agencies and departments form a number of policies, which are crucial for economic development of a State.
For example: Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are really important bodies when it comes to either Dabolim airport or the upcoming Mopa airport.
Everyone knows that Dabolim Airport is not able to export as much as it can. For that, it needs support of both AAI and DGCA. Local businessmen, state government and other people behind Vibrant Goa should come together and get central government’s support in such matters as well.
It’s also true that central government has supported Goa in the past. However, a more structured approach is needed to articulate to central government that Goa is a very different state from other parts of India and therefore any sort of policy making has to be in tune with this aspect.
Sometime back, there was news that Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) was about to shut its office in Goa. Now, DGFT comes under the central government. Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) wrote a letter to Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, requesting him to let DGFT office stay in Goa.
It was a right move on GCCI’s part to do so. Apart from it, a lot more support is needed for the state from the central government for the businesses here to reach their true potential. Such support is a must especially at a time when mining is not happening and even tourism is struggling to compete with other destinations.
Consider the untapped potential of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), for instance. After mining exports fell drastically, the port has struggled to get export cargo. Local industries are used to send their cargo from JNPT or Mumbai airport.
MPT also comes under the central government. Why can’t efforts be made by taking local industries into confidence and by talking to the central government to ensure that exports start happening from MPT and not from JNPT or Mumbai Airport?
The next one year when a number of activities will happen under Vibrant Goa is a good chance for stakeholders to get more support from the central government for the economic well-being of Goa.
