The State has not been able to leverage the advantage of 972-km long coastline with three major and 14 minor ports. Successive State governments have failed to evolve a vision for the maritime sector.
For over a decade there has been a talk of establishment of a Maritime Board, but nothing has happened on the ground, vice president Vizagpatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Monish Row said.
“The advantages of a Maritime Board are known to everyone both the government and the investors but the intent of the government will only be demonstrated by such policy initiatives as constituting the Maritime Board as well as the resultant policy,” he said in a letter to the Chief Minister.
Constitution of a Maritime Board is a prerequisite for making the State a logistics hub. The Board would be able to make it a reality with a focused approach and give the maritime trade the much needed boost.
The Chamber urged the Chief Minister to appoint senior officers who can effectively implement the vision of the Sunrise State.
