VASCO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday reiterated that coal-handling volumes would not be increased at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), but the State government would look to make the best use of MPA by boosting import-export business.
Addressing a gathering at the MPA, Sawant added that alternative cargo like molasses would be exported from MPA to increase the business of the port and create direct and indirect employment opportunities to locals.
"When mining activities were stopped in 2012, the port had to struggle and I have said that we may have to start other activities, in case the port has to revive so that our youth can get employment. With the help of our PM Narendra Modi, we will try and boost import-export activity from this port in coordination with the state Government,” said Sawant.
"Many people think that port means only coal and I want to assure the people that this port will not be confined to only coal handling and we are looking at alternative cargo as well. We have been looking at molasses and plan to export it from this port as an alternative cargo. In the past, the port has even been exporting wheat and we are also trying to see if the pharmaceutical industry in Goa can use this port for its export-import activity," said Sawant.
The chief minister said he had discussed with the MPA chairman on how the State government can make the best use of the MPA for the import-export activity.
“The Goa government has even given a systematic plan to the MPA. I am confident that we can make the best use of the MPA through the blue economy initiative. We have no plans to increase coal handling at MPA and I want to assure that coal quantity will not increase at MPA. But we will increase the business of MPA through import and export and cruise tourism business,” said Sawant.
