TCC EXIM AWARDS: Vasan dishes out more mega port projects

Source: http://www.sagarsandesh.com/news/vasan-dishes-out-more-mega-port-projects/

Union Shipping Minister Mr G K Vasan, Dr K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu and award-winning chairmen of three major ports in Tamil Nadu at the TCC Exim Achievement Awards Function, organised by the Tamil Chamber of Commerce and Chozha Naachiar Foundation in Chennai, on April 26. Seen (from left) Mr S Natarajan, Chairman of VOC Port Trust, Mr Atulya Misra, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust, Mr Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President, TCC, Mr SSR Rajkumar, honorary secretary of TCC and Mr. M A Bhaskarachar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Ennore Port Ltd (EPL).

Ms.Srividhya Priya, MD , Streamline Forwarders - receiving award for securing third place in No. of Shipping Bills Filed - Exports

Armed with the success of awarding record number of 32 port projects in 2012-13, Union Shipping Minister G. K. Vasan has announced that his Ministry has finalized an ‘Action Plan’ for the year 2013-14 where it targets to award 30 port development projects.

Addressing an elite gathering of EXIM fraternity from South India during the TCC Exim Achievement Awards Function on April 26, organised by the Tamil Chamber of Commerce and Chozha Naachiar Foundation in Chennai, Mr. Vasan said: “We have already finalized action plan for the year 2013-14 with a target of 30 port development projects. These projects will bring additional capacity of 288.48 Million Metric Tonne per annum at an estimated investment of Rs. 24, 633 crores.”

Banking on the success of port sector over the years, he stated: “The steps taken by the Shipping Ministry in the past few years are showing excellent and positive results. As a result of various efforts that I have outlined here and with the active participation of private sector, I hope that Indian port sector would grow stronger and stronger.”

Cautioning the EXIM fraternity to remain vigil, Mr. Vasan remarked: “Ports are the gateway for EXIM trade and any deficiency will greatly affect the country’s EXIM trade and competitiveness for industries.”

Recalling the Government’s role in nation building, he observed: “For improving efficiency of our ports, the Government has been paying constant attention on construction and development of deep draft berths, navigation channels, development of cargo facilities, mechanization of berths, installation of modern cargo handling equipment and construction of multi-lane concrete roads.”

For augmenting capacities of the Major Ports, the Government has been encouraging private sector participation in the port development, he added.

“The maritime agenda formulated by the Ministry of Shipping in January 2011 has identified priority areas and gives a road map for achieving the target in terms of creation of world class port facilities in the country,” the Minister further added.

Addressing the gathering after presenting the TCC EXIM Achievement awards awards to various winners, Dr. K. Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu, who was the Chief Guest of the function, said: “Today, shipping has become a global industry and its prospects are closely tied with the level of economic activity.”

A higher level of economic growth leads to higher demand for industrial raw materials, which in turn boosts imports and exports, hence the ports play a major role in imports and exports, he added.

The Governor also complimented Mr. Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar for putting in great efforts to encourage and motivate the exporters, importers and shipping fraternity by instituting awards for their outstanding performance.

Earlier, Mr. Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President, TCC, who welcomed the gathering, traced the significant role played by Shipping Minister G. K. Vasan in developing port sector in the country.
Mr. S. S. R. Rajkumar, honorary secretary of TCC, proposed a vote of thanks.