PIANC to expand operations in Asia

Kochi, Apr 16 (UNI) Considering the quantum of growth in the port sector in the world, the Permanent International Assembly for Navigation Congress (PIANC) is planning to spruce up its operations in developing countries.

Addressing mediapersons here today, PIANC President Van den Eede said to transfer technology to countries in transition, which is one of the objectives of PIANC. The organisation was planning to set up more regional groups in south and central Asia.

He said Belgium-based PIANC, a world-wide NGO, was aiming to promote inland, maritime and recreation navigation, fostering progress in planning, design, construction, improvement, maintenance and operation of ports and waterways.

''The waterways are becoming an alternative mode of transport in many countries and efforts should be made to develop them,'' he added.

Mr Van said the organisation provided neutral and impartial generic guidelines to the problems faced in the port sector.

The organisation had recently furnished technical reports on river management services, confined disposal facilities for contaminated dredged material, breakwaters with vertical and inclined concrete walls, ecological and engineering for wetlands restoration and sustainable inland waterways and navigation.

PIANC Vice-President R K Jain said the Indian Port sector was growing at a rate of 10 per cent and was bound to register more progress with increasing traffic to India.

PIANC is conducting its five-day Annual General Assembly here, in which about 55 delegates from around the world are participating.

UNI