While welcoming Mormugao Port Authority’s (MPA) emphasis on international cruise tourism, minister for industries Mauvin Godinho on Sunday said that the port should simultaneously focus on increasing the number of container berths for exports. Godinho, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, said that Goa has the potential to emerge as a major logistics hub for the western region in India.
Addressing business delegates from at least 50 countries, Godinho said that while Goa is open to investments, the state wants only non-polluting industrial units. “We want tourism to be built up, but they (MPA) should think about having more berths for export and handling of container business. I want to see Goa developing as one of the largest trading hubs in this part of the country. I welcome the passenger terminal but I would want them to develop more berths and more terminals for cargo exports,” said Godinho.
He added, “We welcome all industries that add value to Goa. We want non-polluting industries because we are concerned about preserving our environment.” Senior deputy traffic manager at MPA, Jerome Clement said that 50% of the international cruise terminal at the harbour is ready, and Ro-Pax services (roll-on/roll-off passenger) are expected to start once the terminal is ready. He siad that 20 international cruise liners are expected in Goa during the current season, while two domestic cruise liners will arrive at MPA every week.
Officials said that the Goa-Mumbai Ro-Pax ferry with passenger cabins, is expected to start service in 2025 and has been purchased. It is currently stationed at Mumbai. At the summit, several Goan companies initiated talks for joint business development. “The ideas that were exchanged between Goan entrepreneurs and people from elsewhere will surely go a long way in shoring up the whole industrial sector. In no sector are we left behind. I will be most satisfied when many of the discussions that we held here over three days become ground reality in the years ahead,” said Godinho.