BIMSTEC Ports’ Conclave

BIMSTEC Ports Conclave
Question: Who inaugurated the first ever BIMSTEC Ports` Conclave on 7th November, 2019 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Amit Shah
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) Mansukh Mandaviya
Answer: (d)
Related facts:
  • The first ever BIMSTEC Conclave of Ports was organized at Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 7th to 8th November, 2019.
  • It was inaugurated by Minister of State for Shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya.
  • The conclave aims at providing a platform to strengthen maritime interaction, port-led connectivity initiatives and sharing best practices among member countries. Providing connectivity is one of the key priorities among BIMSTEC countries.

Key Highlights of the Conclave:

  • The Minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) highlighting the motto of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (Collective Efforts Inclusive Growth) that provides Peace, Prosperity and Security for all in the Region.
  • India said that it is keen on forging deep relations with BIMSTEC member states.
  • Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Ranong Port (Port Authority of Thailand) and the Port Trusts of Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata during the Conclave.
  • These MoUs will contribute to BIMSTEC objectives of strengthening connectivity of India’s East Coast and is part of India’s Act East Policy.
  • These MoUs will enhance economic partnership by cutting down the sea travel time between India and Thailand from 10 – 15 days to 7 days.
  • India attaches great importance to Bay of Bengal initiatives for multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) which links five countries from south Asia (Bangladesh, India, , Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal) and two from South East Asia (Myanmar & Thailand) .

BIMSTEC:

  • The BIMSTEC region brings together 167 billion people and a combined GDP of US $3.71 Trillion.
  • Four BIMSTEC Summits have been held so far, the earlier ones at Kathmandu, Nepal on 30-31 August, 2018 (earlier summit were 2004 (Bangkok, Thailand), 2008 (New Delhi), 2014 (Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar).

Link:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590972