Developing countries contribute increasingly larger shares and growth to the world GDP and merchandise trade. In 2011, a total of 60 per cent of the volume of world seaborne trade originated in developing countries and 57 per cent of this trade was delivered on their territories. The contribution of various regions to world seaborne trade volume underscores the dominance of developing countries both as exporters and importers, a shift from earlier patterns when they served mainly as loading areas of high volume goods.
With 13 major ports and more than 180 minor ports, India’s 7, 517 km long coastline plays a vital role in maritime transport along with offering huge international trade capabilities.
The sector is on a high-priority list for the Government as it is one of the components of national infrastructure. Being a focus area for development and refurbishment, Indian ports are increasingly becoming an attractive investment option for investors scouting for opportunities in Indian market.
Gujarat is a pioneering, futuristic and entrepreneurial state of the country. Gujarat's maritime sector is considered to be the most proactive and well developed sectors of India.
The milestone achieved by the State of Gujarat in the port sector is by a virtue of its 1600 kms long coastline, its innovative strategic initiatives, proactive measures by the Government and above all a competent and channelized guidance provided by Gujarat Maritime Board.
With the dynamic vision and investor friendly policies, Gujarat has been successfully encouraging private investment in minor ports and modernization of the existing port. This has resulted in attracting a fair share of the maritime freight movement and as a result private and minor ports of Gujarat have overshadowed the major ports by posting double-digit growth in traffic on the back of better infrastructure and value-added services. Keeping this in mind, the 5th National Conference on Infrastructure and Ports with the theme “Maritime Sector: Leading to all round Economic Development” is being organized on October 18, 2013 at H. T. Parekh Auditorium, Ahmedabad Management Association, Ahmedabad.
The event is strategically designed & well structured. Technical sessions will deliver the expertise knowledge & vision of industry experts to Indian Maritime Industry to create perfect business platform.
