PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged the Central government to explore the possibility of considering Goa’s coastline into a multi-modal maritime logistics hub.
Speaking at the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 held in Mumbai, Sawant underscored the diverse and dynamic nature of Goa’s maritime sector with an aim to present a compelling case before the union to consider this small coastal State as the ideal location for the mega project.
“Goa’s maritime sector is a multi-faceted powerhouse driving economic growth, innovation, and connectivity. I urge our Minister for Shipping, Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to consider Goa’s coastline to be developed as a major Multi-Modal Maritime Logistics hub,” he said on Tuesday.
He further stated that Goa’s world-class rail, road, air and water connectivity can up-scale the nation’s potential on the west coast. “From shipbuilding and repair to cruise tourism, from maritime education to port-led industrialisation, the State’s contributions are diverse and impactful. Goa has the inherent advantage of becoming the maritime hub of the country,” the CM asserted.
Goa’s strategic geographical location, Sawant added, has also transformed it into a vital gateway to facilitate trade with over 30 nations.
“Traditionally, Goa has been a major gateway into mainland India. Especially, with important institutions such as the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), National Institute of Polar Research, and National Institute of Water Sports in the State; we are already equipped to take up greater challenges and contribute to the Nation’s growth in this sector,” he said as he reiterated appeal to develop Goa into the hub that the country is looking at.
The CM also claimed that Goa Shipyard Ltd which develops ships for passenger movement as well as defence requirements assists the Coast Guard, and Mormugao Ports Authority positions Goa as a prominent Logistic and Cruise Terminal. “We have a significant role to play on the West Coast,” he said.
Given all this, CM called upon the stakeholders and investors of the Maritime Sector to invest in making Goa a major skilling hub for this sector. He assured all the necessary support from the State government.
