Union Government is concentrating on blue economy and there is a plan to make this economy of atleast 5 to 6 lakh crores informed Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. For this there is a need of ships with new designs which can go 100 nautical miles in the sea for fishing, Shri Gadkari said.
He was speaking after virtualy unvailing plaque for the foundation stone of construction of Common Facility Center (CFC) for Konkan Maritime Cluster at Verna Industrial Estate, Verna.
Further speaking Shri Gadkari said that, there is a huge potential for the blue economy. This sector needs news ships, technology and engines. He informed that Government is conitinously working to use Methanol or LNG as a fuel in ships and other water transport for pollution free as well as cost effective mode of transport. We should practice successful international practices, adapt to new technology and innovations. Goa has an advantage to become a manufacturing hub of international standards for maritime sector and blue economy he said. Konkan Maritime Cluster will qualitatively contribute in the making of New India and Atmanirbhar Bharat he opined. This is a golden opportunity for development of Goa. Goa can be a growth centre for marine hub and maritime cluster which is a need for future India and this will be a historical contribution by Goa for the country Shri Gadkari said. Konkan Maritime Cluster will be a growth engine for the development of Goa creating employment potential for thousands of goan youths, Shri Gadkari said.
Goa have lot of importance and long history to maritime sector he said. This is the right time to take innovation, technology, research and successful practices in marine sector all over the world that needs to be implement in our country, he said.
Chief Minister, Shri Pramod Sawant while remaining present in person for the function said, with laying of foundation stone of CFC for Konkan Maritime Cluster on the auspicious occasion of Dushehra Goa has made Simollanghan (a ritual of Dushehra) in the Industrial Sector of the State. Maritime and shipping industry is not new for Goa. It was in force from Portuguese era, and time to time development has taken place in this industry said Shri Sawant. Konkan Maritime Cluster is a proud moment for every Goan and because of this Goan maritime sector will reach across the world he said.
Goa has 11 river and one major and one minor port but optimum utilisation of this water ways and ports is very minimum he said. There is a wrong mindset among many, that Goan ports are only for coal business which needs to be changed by other activities and business, Shri Sawant said. Government is not creating infrastructural projects for the coal industry he said. There is no need of agitation because of that. Development of ports and other infrastructure is for the use of different type of industries imports and exports. Goa has lot of scope, capabilities and manpower to make use of water ways and ports for different types of industry Shri Sawant said. By using the waterways Goa’s tourism industry can be connected to Dabolim Airport and government is planning to develop same by private partnership. Government is ready to develop various projects on PPP model. Government is ready to welcome textile, agriculture, fishing, food processing and various types of clusters in the State which will boost economy and create employment he said. Government alone can’t increase economy and employment but various sectors and industries should come forward for that he said. Government is ready to give required support. Goa has a lot of scope for blue industry. This industry should come forward and approach the government he said.
Union Minister of State for Shipping, Chemical and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandviya addressing virtually said, inland waterways is developing at fast pace in the country and in coming days to boost and promote coastal shipping, government will come with a bill in the parliament by which coastal transportation in the country will increase. Government is working to create multi modes transportation with the use of road ways, inland water ways, and railways.
Minister for Industries and Health, Shri Vishvajit Rane who was present in person said, evolution and change has to come and we need to move fast and fastrack with change in order to take the shipping industry which is very old industry in State. We need to take this industry to a different level. Konkan Martime Cluster will not only change the dynamics but also bring more employment. While looking at the bridges, road network and various backbone infrastructures will help various industries Shri Rane said.
Goa will march forward with Konkan Maritime Cluster he said. Goa is also selected for medical device park Shri Rane said. Time has come to make a change and maximum exploitation in a very positive manner, with positive thinking and moving forward constantly by thinking differently, if we have to succeed, he remarked.
Director General Shipping, Shri Amitabh Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
National Advisor, Government of India (I/C), Captain J P Jaykumar was also present on the occasion. Chairman and Managing Director, Konkan Maritime Cluster, Shri Sooraj Dehlani proposed vote of thanks.
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