India Germany Discuss Cooperation in Shipping Sector

Mr. Olaf Scholz, First Mayor (Chief Minister) of Hamburg, Federal Republic of Germany called on the Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K.Vasan today in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Minister recalled the long association with Germany in maritime sector and informed that an Agreement between India and the Federal Republic of Germany on Maritime Transport Relations was signed on 15 June, 1966 in New Delhi.

The Minister said that India values its strategic partnership with Germany and stands ready to broaden and deepen it in all its aspects. The Minister enquired about the strengths of Hamburg City in logistics and maritime industry sector. Possible areas of cooperation were discussed during the meeting. India would like to seek German expertise in areas in areas such as decongestion of ports; information technology for the movement of container traffic and maritime training.

The Minister recalled that the India participated at the Hamburg Port Festival 2012 held between 11-13 May, 2012, as partner country and featured a variety of activities dealing with Indian culture and provided visitors with information on the country's culture, cuisine and ways to travel to India. Senior officials from the Directorate General of Light houses and Lightships, Inland Waterways Authority of India, Indian Ports Association, Shipping Corporation of India, Cochin Port, New Mangalore Port and Mumbai Port Trust also took part in the Festival to highlight the recent developments in the logistics sector in India and highlighted the investment opportunities in the port sector in India. The Minister also thanked Mr. Scholz for his extensive support for a successful participation by India in the Hamburg Port Festival which signaled the launching of Days of India in Germany.

The Minister stated that the areas identified could be explored further by a team of officers from respective sides who could draw up the plan for further cooperation. The Minister expressed hope that since 100% FDI is allowed in the shipping sector in India and keeping in view that India is emerging as a logistics hub and cruise destination, investments in maritime sector from German companies would be mutually beneficial for both the countries.

NNK/MD