BIMSTEC Ports Conclave Opens in Visakhapatnam

15 Jul 2025 CW Team

The two-day event brought together policymakers, port authorities, maritime experts, private sector players, and scholars from all seven BIMSTEC member nations — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The conclave aims to operationalise the recently ratified BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), enhance regional integration, and promote sustainable development.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Sonowal described the conclave as a springboard for unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy. He emphasised India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the importance of BIMSTEC nations in advancing shared regional prosperity through collaboration in port-led industrialisation, digital logistics, cruise tourism, and maritime skill development.

India, the first country to ratify the AMTC, is leading efforts to establish the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. This centre will support policy harmonisation, promote digital and green maritime transformation, and upskill the regional maritime workforce.

The conclave featured two key sessions: the first focused on mobilising private investment and public–private partnerships (PPPs) to address ageing port infrastructure and fragmented coordination, while the second explored the region’s potential as a manufacturing and logistics hub amid global supply chain shifts. Both sessions underlined the need for harmonised policies, multimodal connectivity, and regional PPP platforms.

Further discussions included plans to develop port-linked industrial zones, cruise tourism through joint branding and infrastructure, and proposals for a BIMSTEC Ports Coordination Centre and Port Community System. Deliberations also highlighted investment in multimodal logistics parks, SEZs, and cross-border skill-building programmes to prepare for a green maritime future.

Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur reiterated India’s commitment to building seamless connectivity and sustainable trade networks in the region. He noted that India’s leadership is focused on integrating digital platforms, attracting private investment, and preparing a future-ready maritime workforce.

Addressing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, Sonowal highlighted its role in transforming India’s Northeast into a regional gateway. The project, which connects the Northeast to the Bay of Bengal via Myanmar, will drastically reduce trade costs and boost integration with BIMSTEC economies.

The inaugural session was attended by Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, MoPSW Secretary T.K. Ramachandran, and Chairman of VPA & DCI Dr M. Angamuthu, along with 28 delegates from all BIMSTEC member nations.

Collectively, the conclave charted a unified roadmap to make the Bay of Bengal a resilient hub for maritime trade, cruise tourism, and economic growth, grounded in environmental sustainability and regional collaboration.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the second edition of the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, marking a major push to strengthen regional maritime connectivity and sustainable port-led growth across the Bay of Bengal.The two-day event brought together policymakers, port authorities, maritime experts, private sector players, and scholars from all seven BIMSTEC member nations — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The conclave aims to operationalise the recently ratified BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), enhance regional integration, and promote sustainable development.Speaking at the inaugural session, Sonowal described the conclave as a springboard for unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy. He emphasised India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the importance of BIMSTEC nations in advancing shared regional prosperity through collaboration in port-led industrialisation, digital logistics, cruise tourism, and maritime skill development.India, the first country to ratify the AMTC, is leading efforts to establish the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. This centre will support policy harmonisation, promote digital and green maritime transformation, and upskill the regional maritime workforce.The conclave featured two key sessions: the first focused on mobilising private investment and public–private partnerships (PPPs) to address ageing port infrastructure and fragmented coordination, while the second explored the region’s potential as a manufacturing and logistics hub amid global supply chain shifts. Both sessions underlined the need for harmonised policies, multimodal connectivity, and regional PPP platforms.Further discussions included plans to develop port-linked industrial zones, cruise tourism through joint branding and infrastructure, and proposals for a BIMSTEC Ports Coordination Centre and Port Community System. Deliberations also highlighted investment in multimodal logistics parks, SEZs, and cross-border skill-building programmes to prepare for a green maritime future.Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur reiterated India’s commitment to building seamless connectivity and sustainable trade networks in the region. He noted that India’s leadership is focused on integrating digital platforms, attracting private investment, and preparing a future-ready maritime workforce.Addressing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, Sonowal highlighted its role in transforming India’s Northeast into a regional gateway. The project, which connects the Northeast to the Bay of Bengal via Myanmar, will drastically reduce trade costs and boost integration with BIMSTEC economies.The inaugural session was attended by Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, MoPSW Secretary T.K. Ramachandran, and Chairman of VPA & DCI Dr M. Angamuthu, along with 28 delegates from all BIMSTEC member nations.Collectively, the conclave charted a unified roadmap to make the Bay of Bengal a resilient hub for maritime trade, cruise tourism, and economic growth, grounded in environmental sustainability and regional collaboration.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Aug 2026

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Aug 2026

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..