Theme: Role of State Governments in Port Development (By Invitation only)
Day One : 22 Jan, 2015 - 3.30pm to 4.30pm

There could be many contours to how India can further trade along its coasts, but few can contend that port led development is the stepping stone to any country improving bilateral trade with its neighbours. And to quicken this process, state governments should also step in and actively lay tracks for ports in their expanse to corner trade from the hinterland enclosing them.

The CEO Roundtable ahead of the East Coast Maritime Business Summit is, therefore, dedicated to discourse and exchange views about how states can facilitate, accelerate and galvanize support from the central and quasi judicial authorities to ensure port led development to be incarnate withminimum downtime.

Some of the topics considered for discussion:

• Setting up Maritime Boards and their Objectives: The state maritime board can liaison on behalf of and be party to the ports’ requirements with the central government to make sure clearances are accorded on time. It could also assist the state government in planning key connectivity projects that could improve the port network.
• Integrating ports in to infrastructure decision making: Ports often complain that they are left out while key infrastructure aspects are being decided by the state governments. Industries setting up their plants and government departments should have a port interface so that connectivity/cargo issues are discussed prior to the plant coming up. This will help in understanding the logistics and connectivity requirements for the industry and ports can prepare to handle specific cargo by bringing in required equipment.
• Tax Matters: The state can do away with clauses and taxes such as additional tax on bunker fuel to ensure the marine fuel sector can initiate investment off shore. State government must be more proactive in considering other tax exemptions on Exim cargo.
• Incentivize Coastal Shipping: With a small quantity of cargo already plying on the east coast, the state can do much to ensure there is greater movement of coastal cargo along its geography. Private parties can be incentivized financially and with cargo support to encourage this segment.
• Supporting growth ofminor ports: The coastline is dotted with more than a dozen minor ports that are in a state of hibernation. These ports and barge owners can be encouraged to ship small quantities of cargo through their barges from/to hinterlands. They can also act transship cargo from the place of manufacturing to the major/private ports for exports. The state should oversee the development of these ports by improving infrastructure and handling facilities and close down sick units.