Mormugao port can’t handle export cargo, say bizmen

Panaji: Goa, which is strategically positioned, needs to focus on port-led development, said industrialists while discussing strategies to enhance exports of engineering goods from Goa. Manufacturing firms said that

Mormugao Port Authority

failed to invest in infrastructure and is today unable to handle cargo.

A seminar organised by Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), EEPC India, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) highlighted the opportunities as well as the challenges that local entrepreneurs face while exporting manufactured goods.

“There is an urgent need to align India’s export strategy on a port-led growth which has been a success story in many countries across the globe,” said president of the Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology, Nitin Kunkolienkar.

“The Goan port is not capable of handling the cargo needs, and that it should not be looked upon as the one to serve the future needs of the industry, rather the state should work on utilising other all its strengths and creating a dry port or Container Freight Station (CFS).”

Kunkolienkar said that the Centre is working at a fast pace to sign Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries which is a huge step towards boosting Indian exports and that moving from import substitution to export-led growth is a welcome sign.

“The central government has done a marvelous job on policy framework, and now it is the responsibility of the state governments to reciprocate and build a robust ecosystem to realise the fruits of the policy transformation,” said Kunkolienkar.

GCCI president Ralph de Sousa said Goa is positioned in a very strategic position in terms of logistical connectivity and availability of ports, airport and rail infrastructure.

Chairman of EEPC India Mahesh Desai stressed on the point to build a clear vision and roadmap for Goa’s and India’s future. Goa is placed at the 18th position in the country in terms of exports and Goa’s exports, which are valued at around $2 billion dollars, are mainly in the pharmaceutical sector, said Desai.

“The key factors which will boost exports are the growth of the manufacturing sector, eliminating the transportation problems, ensuring last mile connectivity and the working of government administration in tandem with the exporters,” said Desai.


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