Govt nod to increasing cooperation with Spain in ports sect

The government approved a proposal for inking a pact with Spain to strengthen ties in the ports sector.

"The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Spain on cooperation in port matters," an official statement said.

Recognising the significant benefits that can be derived from ties in the port matters between the two countries, it has been decided to sign the agreement with a view to strengthen cooperation and render sustained mutual assistance and advice on port matters and other related maritime issues, it said.

"Signing of the MoU will help both countries in encouraging and facilitating the development of ports and provide a cooperation platform for enhancing and stimulating steady growth of maritime traffic, exchange and training of staff and students from various maritime establishments, exchange of information necessary for accelerating and facilitating the flow of commercial goods at sea and at ports," it said.

The pact will also help in establishing of joint ventures in the fields of port led development, port efficiency, modernisation of existing ports, dredging, particularly maintenance dredging in riverine ports, environment and green port initiative, port engineering, maritime training, information technology including development of simulators, facilities and related maritime activities, etc. "The MoU would be signed on a mutually convenient date and venue," it said.