VASCO
The chief guest Chief Minister Parsekar praised the timely delivery of the vessel to Mauritius Coast Guard. He also praised the GSL management for respecting the workforce of the yard and its unions.
“Despite building ships for defence force of the nation, GSL is also involved in exporting indigenously built ships to other countries,” said Parsekar.
“Though the \'Make in India\' mantra was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, GSL started building indigenous ships much before the mantra came into existence,” said Parsekar.
Speaking on the Rs 32,000 crore order from the defence sector to manufacture mine countermeasures vessels, Parsekar said it will help create job opportunities.
“The economy of Goa, which has slowed down due to the mining ban, will be tackled by this contract from the defence sector,” he said.
Commenting on Mauritius High Commissioner Govardhan\'s statement that Goa is a unique place and has similarities of his country, Parsekar said Goa is not only a tourist destination, but a world class destination and the credit goes to the people of Goa, who live in communal harmony and know to respect each other’s culture and festivals.
Govardhan complimented GSL for delivering the vessel much ahead of time and said it will strengthen maritime capabilities. “This ship will be involved in search and rescue operations, surveillance within the national waters of Mauritius,” said Govardhan.
“The Mauritius government is grateful to the Indian government for all support and co-operation, financial assistance and for providing expertise from the Indian Navy,” added Govardhan.
“We share common waters and Mauritius government deeply values commitments of the Indian government to co-operate with Mauritius in its efforts to secure the exclusive economic zone,” said Govardhan.
CMD Shekar Mithal thanked the Center and State governments for their support and co-operation and said after taking over the charge of GSL, he managed to take the GSL from deficit to profit-making.
