Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, opened the second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, highlighting the event’s function as a driving force behind the Bay of Bengal’s transformation into a thriving center for international trade and tourism.
In order to promote regional maritime connectivity, port cooperation, and sustainable development, the two-day conclave brought together academic scholars, private sector stakeholders, port authorities, maritime experts, and policymakers from all seven BIMSTEC countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC) accord, Sonowal emphasized, is a strategic plan that unlocks the region’s enormous Blue Economy potential. By saying, “Sea doesn’t separate, but rather connects us closely,” he emphasized the significance of seamless, environmentally friendly, and reasonably priced marine connectivity. It runs smoothly.
It is economical and environmentally beneficial. It is always advantageous to all of us in numerous ways. In addition to promoting greater integration in marine trade, logistics, cruise tourism, and skill development, the conclave seeks to operationalize the recently signed AMTC and enable discussions on port-led development.
The creation of the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai, under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) was one of the conclave’s key announcements.
The goal of this center is to strengthen the skills and capacity of the local marine workforce, promote digital and green transformation, and harmonize maritime regulations. The center hopes to lower trade costs, improve connectivity, and establish the Bay of Bengal as a sustainable hub for regional and international trade by encouraging cooperation and innovation.
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which links the Northeast of India with the Bay of Bengal and drastically cuts down on transit time and trade prices, was also highlighted during the summit as a game-changing project. According to Sonowal, Kaladan is a prime example of BIMSTEC’s smooth regional connectivity, with the potential to foster inclusive growth and strengthen ties with its neighbors.
The conclave’s main sessions addressed increasing private sector investment, developing public-private partnerships (PPPs), coordinating logistics and customs, and maximizing cruise tourism’s potential through collaborative branding and environmentally friendly cruise itineraries. Plans for digital integration, port-linked industrial zones, and innovative green shipping were also discussed. In order to build a robust, future-ready marine ecosystem, a focus was placed on improving hinterland connectivity and upskilling the maritime workforce.
In line with India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies, Sonowal’s vision establishes the BIMSTEC countries as essential contributors to regional prosperity. It is anticipated that the conclave’s findings will open the door to robust maritime ecosystems, strong regional connectivity, and a prosperous, innovative, and sustainable future for the Bay of Bengal.
