KOCHI:
At the Maritime India Summit, Lakshadweep focused on cargo transportation, tourism and fisheries. “We are ready to work with the Cochin Port Trust to implement projects in line with the Blue Economy,” said Lakshadweep Administrator Advisor A.K. Anparasu said. The investment potential is high if a 75-year lease agreement and an environmental permit are implemented before the tender. He was talking about the potential of Lakshadweep at the Maritime India Summit.
“We are expecting 100% growth in infrastructure investment in Lakshadweep in 5 years to boost freight and passenger traffic, Sachin Sharma, Director- Port, Shipping and Aviation. Lakshadweep Tourism Secretary Amit Sathija pointed out that there is immense potential for investment in the tourism sector in areas such as water villas and scuba diving facilities.
Cochin Port Trust Chairperson Dr.M. Beena pointed out that more berthing facilities could be provided to Lakshadweep with the assistance of Lakshadweep Administration. Director General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar said that more possible developments could be made in the cruise areas and more emphasis should be given to deep sea fishing, terminal services and renewable energy.
Savio Mathew, Head, FICCI Kerala State Council, said that the tuna, which is easily available in Lakshadweep, can be re processed in Kochi and more value added products could be produced and exported. IIT Chennai Professor, Dr. Sundar Vadivelu, WapCos Consultant Dr. Nagendra, Andaman & Lakshadweep Harbour Works Chief Engineer Krishnamoorthy, Oscar J J Siches, Founder of the Global Marina Institute, Michal Sigbardsson, Managing Director, SF Marina Systems, Rajesh Sood, Director, Shipping Corporation, Goa Shipyard, CMD Commodore Nagpal, Vijay Marine Shipyard, MD Suraj Dayalani and Cochin Shipyard Technical Director Bijoy Bhaskar. Dr. Unnikrishnan, Head Maritime Logistics Sector Skill Council also spoke in the session.
