Development of India’s ports and trade related infrastructure will continue to be critical to sustain the success of accelerated growth in the Indian economy. Despite record growth rates, the merchandise trade intensity of India’s GDP is still below 30 per cent. This indicates that there is still a lot of untapped potential for trade growth, and consequently the demands on the country’s ports and trade infrastructure will continue to backing trade diversifies and growth. Technological developments in bulk and container transport have made maritime transport cheaper. Finance Minister announced several measures in the Budget 2014 to boost up port and allied sector such as 11635 crore will be allocated for the development of Outer Harbour Project in Tuticorin for phase I, 16 new port projects with a focus on their connectivity to the hinterland, SEZs will be developed in Kandla and JNPT, Comprehensive policy to be announced to promote Indian ship building industry, Project on Ganges called ‘Jal Marg Vikas’ etc. will definitely give further filip to the port sector development in India.

The share of GMB ports from total non-major ports of India is about 74% and Gujarat non-major Ports handled 32% share of total national cargo in 2013-14, up from 3% in 1982. State Government has successfully developed private ports at Pipavav & Mundra. The traffic at private ports has grown at an impressive CAGR of 37.02 % from 2003-04 to 2013-14. During same time GMB ports witnessed growth at 12% CAGR. Gujarat ports’ total capacity is that of 387 MMTPA in 2013-14. It is estimated to increase to about more than 864 MMTPA in 2020. There are total 10 operational shipbuilding yards in the state with the capacity of 1.11 million DWT. Major operational shipyards are ABG Shipyard at Dahej and Magdalla with capacity of 80,000 DWT followed by Pipavav shipyards, L&T Shipyard at Hazira. Apart from these, there are many shipyard projects under the implementation stage. Gujarat is strongly emerging as a new shipbuilding destination in South Asia with many projects in pipeline. To make shipbuilding sector competitive, industry needs fiscal and regulatory support from the government. In order to bring in vibrant growth potential in port & allied sector, the Government of India in the recent budget 2014-15 announced several measures for the growth of ports and shipbuilding sector. Keeping this in mind, the 6th National Conference on Infrastructure and Ports with the theme "PORT CONNECTIVITY - CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES” is being organized on October 18, 2014 at H.T. Parekh Auditorium, Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), Ahmedabad. The event is strategically designed & well structured technical sessions with panel discussions, will deliver the expertise knowledge to Indian Maritime Industry: Port, Shipping & Logistic sector to create perfect business platform.

• Global Economy and its Impact on the Port Sector : Trends and Outlook • Emerging Trends in Indian Maritime Transport • Gujarat Maritime Industry - Bridge to Economic Sustainability • Financing Port & Port based Infrastructure • Private Participation in Port Facilities - Recent Trends • The Role of Ports in Enforcing Environmental Legislation • The Dynamic Evolution of Ports and SEZs • Port Connectivity : Challenges & Opportunities • Integration in Logistic Chains for Sustainable Management • Multi-model Structure and Logistic Concept in Port Operations • Container Traffic and Logistics : Trend & Opportunities • Automation in Terminal Operation • Bulk & Container Cargo Handling : Issues & Challenges • Latest Developments in Port Security • Maritime Education & Opportunities for Employment in India • Integrated Tools for Port Planning • Shipbuilding & Repair Services for Sustainable Development

The Event is an Excellent Opportunity for : • States and National Maritime Authorities • Private Port Operators • Policy Makers • Port & Terminal Operators • Infrastructure Developers • Material Handling Equipment Companies • Dredging Companies • Logistics / Supply Chain Companies • Storage and Warehousing Providers • Shipbuilding, Repairs and Shipbreaking Companies • Maritime Consultants • Contractors • Financial Institutions • IT Solutions Providers • Allied Industries • Academic & Research Organization • Publications / Media etc.