India is aiming to improve its manufacturing competitiveness with the “Make in India” program. Ports are the catalyst of socio-economic development and aid long-term growth track of the economy. The Government is making an attempt towards developing ports into manufacturing ecosystems which bring trade as well as investments. Ports also aid in generating employment and economic and industrial growth of an entire nation. The major ports are operating well in terms of financial statements, despite several drawbacks. It also indicates the significance to improve on this insufficiency at the earliest so that the stakeholders, especially the users are assisted by the improved efficiency in terms of cost and time.

The 9th National Conference on Infrastructure and Ports with the theme "Port Sector in Gujarat: Progress, Potential & The Way Forward” was organized on June 8, 2018, at H.T Parekh Auditorium, Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), Ahmedabad. The conference aimed to help identify the opportunities and challenges involved in promoting the development of a Maritime Sector in Gujarat.

The guest for the inaugural session was Dr. Jay Narayan Vyas, an Economist and Thinker, Shri Devdatta Bose, Group Sector Head, Tata Consulting Engineers, Mumbai, Shri K. K. Sinha, Wholetime Director, Essar Ports Ltd., Mumbai and  Shri Amlan Bora, Trade & Investment Commissioner, Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO), Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Ahmedabad.

Dr. Jay Narayan Vyas delivered the special address. He has described the history of imports-exports of India, Importance of Ports and Sea transports. He mentioned the Statistical data of the Port sector considering economic factors. He has also covered the possible future threats and ways to avoid it. Dr. Vyas explained comparative Analysis on port operation in India Vs. China etc. He has also shared the vision for future prospects under the logistic sector.

The keynote speaker Shri Devdatta Bose shared his valuable experience on the subject of Port Sector In Gujarat: Progress, Potential & The Way Forward. He threw the lights on the statistics of the Port infrastructure of India and on Sagarmala Project. He has also covered the Maritime Cluster and way forward. Lastly highlighted the scope of Changes and Improvements.

Shri K. K. Sinha discussed the contribution of Port Sector in the GDP and the potential stake of it in trade. He shared the comparative analysis of China and India w.r.t growth challenges, development etc. He has also discussed the actions that should be taken further to conquer the challenges.

Shri Amlan Bora shared the background of the Netherlands. Further explained about the Netherlands being the gateway to Europe contributes significant amount through ports & Maritime Sector. He described the challenges in front of India Port Sector. He has also touched the topics of Energy/Renewable energy/ Energy transition, Waste of Chemicals, Digitalisation and innovations and Supply Chain Challenges. He threw light on Innovationer Ecosystem and need for the Sustainable infrastructure.

The conference was divided into three technical sessions covering almost all aspects of port and allied industry. Around 15 experts and industry leaders shared their experiences and make presentations on various critical issues, Technological Innovations, case studies, etc. The deliberations were gone a long way in creating awareness regarding the opportunities and challenges in port-led developments in Gujarat. Around 300 delegates from across India turned the venue of the conference happily overcrowded.