No.PR-13
May 9, 2019
New Delhi
GOVT. ADDRESSING ISSUES OF PORT CHARGES & SHIPPING FUNDS: SPECIAL SECRETARY (LOGISTICS), DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Department of Commerce in consultation with Ministry of Shipping and Indian Port Association (IPA) is addressing the issues relating to port charges and shipping funds so that both domestic exports and imports become cost effective, says Special Secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr N Sivasailam. According to him, the two issues are extremely critical not only for exports and imports point of view but also raising affordable funds for shipping industry to promote cost effective and cost competitive navigation.
Delivering his inaugural address at a National Maritime conclave 2019 under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) here today, Mr Sivasailam explained that EXIM Bank has already come out with “shipping funds” to provide funding assistance to shipping industry for a period ranging between 7-10 years. However, the industry is demanding the life of such funds should stay within the period between 20-40 years and therefore, efforts are on to find out a suitable arrangement so that funds accessed by industry through this channel also become cost competitive for both the stakeholders.
As regards redressal of port charges, levied by multiple ports on exports and imports consignments, the Special Secretary (Logistics) made a comprehensive view stating that the issue is being addressed with necessary stakeholders. He, however, asked the industry to let the government be appraised if it is being overcharged to facilitate its consignment so that corrective measures are initiated.
Similarly, on several international issues relating to trade facilitation, the government has been taking proactive steps and called upon the India Inc to come forward and brief the government on its stand relating to trade and commerce in frank and open manner rather than being evasive, concluded the Special Secretary (Logistics).
Managing Director, Sagarmala Development Company Limited, Mr Dilip Kumar Gupta who also spoke on the occasion explained that project implementation under Sagarmala has been advancing progressively. He added that one third of projects under Sagarmala have already been completed and the remaining of them will have been commissioned by 2020. “1900 kms of roads and 1900 kms of rail linkages are also expected to be commissioned as per schedule”, said Mr Gupta.
Chair and Managing Director, Container Corporation of India Ltd, Mr V Kalyana Rama in his address laid emphasis for reduced transaction costs both for agriculture commodities as well as industrial products. He informed that the CONCOR is setting up 120 centres across the country for effective distribution of multiple products so that the transaction costs is rationalized for products and commodities.
In his welcome remarks, Vice President, PHDCCI, Mr Sanjay Aggarwal made a commitment to the government that it would come out with a comprehensive survey on port charges and appraise the government about ground realities that the India Inc confront each day for shipment of its consignments through various ports. The vote of thanks was delivered by Principal Director, PHDCCI, Dr Ranjeet Mehta whose division organized the Conclave.
Ends.
Koteshwar Prasad Dobhal
Consultant (PR)