India, Japan to Strengthen Cooperation in Maritime Sector

India and Japan have decided to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector as a part of the overall robust bilateral relations. The two countries agreed to enhance their interaction through the existing forums and through port-to-port exchanges.

These issues came up for a discussion between the Union Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan, who is on an official visit to Japan and his Japanese counterpart Shri Akihiro Ohta, Minister of land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, Government of Japan.

Shri Vasan explained the developments that were taking place in India in the Ports sector and assured Shri Ohta that concerns regarding infrastructure and connectivity of ports are being addressed expeditiously. In particular, he said that the ports in Ennore and Chennai are catering to the Japanese car exporters like Toyota and Nissan who have so far exported about 42000 and 300000 cars respectively from these ports.

During the talks, Shri Vasan thanked the Japanese government for its support to various Indian Ports and infrastructure projects through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also mentioned the possibility of JICA assistance to VOC Port at Thoothukudi for the upcoming Outer Harbour Project.

[mappress]

Press Release, November 11, 2013