For meaningful globalisation strengthen Shipbuilding: Modi

Ahmedabad, Sep 29 (UNI) For globalisation to be meaningful we need to strengthen the infrastructure of shipbuilding and it is time to take a giant leap forward, said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi here today.

Speaking at the two-day international seminar on 'Shipbuilding Opportunities in Gujarat' organised by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Mr Modi said his Government is planning to develop the core sector with an integrated approach on port-led development that will usher in a world class infrastructure so that Gujarat can handle 50 per cent of India's shipping demands.

During the past five years there has been a noticeable growth in shipbuilding activities in the state. Shipbuilding at Chanch and Old Bhavnagar ports has become operational, while Pipavav and Sahej are under process and DPR for shipyard at Mundra is under preparation.

We have received more than 20 proposals from entrepreneurs from various corners of the globe as well as from India to set up medium to large scale shipyards all along the Gujarat coast at an investment of nearly Rs 11,000 crore, Mr Modi pointed out.

Those present on the inaugural ceremony of the seminar, include former President A P J Abdul Kalam, KDMAC South Korea Chairman Dong Shik Shin, former Union Shipping Minister Ved Prakash Goyal, Appledore Internatonal UK CMD Mike Murden, Hidnustan Shipyard CMD Rear Admiral Ajit Tewari, ABG Shipyard MD Rishi Agrawal, GMB CEO H K Dash, GMB Chairman A K Joti, Gujarat Government Chief Secretary Dr Manjula Subramaniam, Advisor to Gujarat Government S K Shelat, P&T Dept Additional Chief Secretary Sudha Anchilia among others.

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