A Nepalese team visited the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) here on Tuesday to explore the possibility of importing urea and other fertilisers, such as DAP, through global tenders. Indian Potash Limited is a major supplier to these Nepal government entities.
Discussions were held on the Indo-Nepal Treaty for the movement of fertilisers, including a proposal to allow bulk movement through Visakhapatnam Port, similar to the current operations at Kolkata Port. The VPA officials said the target is to tap at least two lakh tonnes of additional fertiliser cargo.
The five-member Nepal delegation, led by Govind Prasad Sharma, secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Department, Government of Nepal, along with the Managing Director of Krishi Samagri Company Ltd., Nepal, and the Assistant CEO of Salt Trading Corporation Ltd., Nepal, visited the port.
The VPA explained the port’s achievements and strengths to the Nepalese team through a PowerPoint presentation on the port’s infrastructure, operational capabilities, and key facilities.
“Discussions were held on various issues including a proposal to allow bulk movement through Visakhapatnam Port, similar to the current operations at Kolkata Port, with a target of tapping at least two lakh tonnes of additional fertiliser cargo,” VPA secretary T. Venugopal said.
The Nepalese delegation observed that Visakhapatnam has significant untapped potential. If enhanced trade facilities are provided, the entire volume of one to two lakh tonnes of cargo would be handled at Visakhapatnam port, which is an efficient port with better infrastructure facilities.