Post by ferryfast admin on Mar 14, 2006 23:57:01 GMT -5
India, Finland to cooperate in shipping and port sectors
THE HINDU
Special Correspondent
Assistance sought to set up National Maritime University in India
Finnish leaders apprised of National Highway Development Programme
Participate in Indian port development projects, Finnish investors told
NEW DELHI: India and Finland have agreed to explore areas of cooperation in the fields of highway as well as shipping and port sector. The decision follows a meeting between Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen and Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T. R. Baalu here on Monday. Ms. Susanna Huovinen, Minister of Transport and Communications of Finland, was also present.
Mr. Baalu informed the visiting leaders about the ambitious National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) and the Government's decision to take up all future highway upgradation programmes through public-private partnerships (PPP).
He shared with them the decision about the formulation of the National Maritime Development Programme, involving an investment of about $ 22 billion in ports, shipping, shipyard and inland waterways. The Minister also discussed steps taken by the Ministry to create investment-friendly policies. He suggested mutual cooperation in the area of ship building, saying that the advanced technology of Finland in this area would help the Indian ship building industry.
The Finnish Prime Minister highlighted the recent growth trends of investments in India and explored opportunities for investors to participate in road and port development programmes of India.
The two sides agreed that there is a need for authorities to establish close coordination for understanding their respective areas of strength, capability and achievements in technology pertaining to highway and port sector. The two sides also agreed to explore the possibility of forming joint ventures in cargo handling equipment and cooperate in the areas of inland water transport and maritime training.
Mr. Baalu sought Finnish assistance in setting up the proposed National Maritime University in the country.
The Minister also informed that an India-EU Agreement in Maritime Service was due for finalisation after discussion with the European Union authorities.
The two sides also discussed the progress made on the Asian Highway Network Project, which proposes to join some Asian countries with Europe through Iran and Russia.
THE HINDU
Special Correspondent
Assistance sought to set up National Maritime University in India
Finnish leaders apprised of National Highway Development Programme
Participate in Indian port development projects, Finnish investors told
NEW DELHI: India and Finland have agreed to explore areas of cooperation in the fields of highway as well as shipping and port sector. The decision follows a meeting between Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen and Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T. R. Baalu here on Monday. Ms. Susanna Huovinen, Minister of Transport and Communications of Finland, was also present.
Mr. Baalu informed the visiting leaders about the ambitious National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) and the Government's decision to take up all future highway upgradation programmes through public-private partnerships (PPP).
He shared with them the decision about the formulation of the National Maritime Development Programme, involving an investment of about $ 22 billion in ports, shipping, shipyard and inland waterways. The Minister also discussed steps taken by the Ministry to create investment-friendly policies. He suggested mutual cooperation in the area of ship building, saying that the advanced technology of Finland in this area would help the Indian ship building industry.
The Finnish Prime Minister highlighted the recent growth trends of investments in India and explored opportunities for investors to participate in road and port development programmes of India.
The two sides agreed that there is a need for authorities to establish close coordination for understanding their respective areas of strength, capability and achievements in technology pertaining to highway and port sector. The two sides also agreed to explore the possibility of forming joint ventures in cargo handling equipment and cooperate in the areas of inland water transport and maritime training.
Mr. Baalu sought Finnish assistance in setting up the proposed National Maritime University in the country.
The Minister also informed that an India-EU Agreement in Maritime Service was due for finalisation after discussion with the European Union authorities.
The two sides also discussed the progress made on the Asian Highway Network Project, which proposes to join some Asian countries with Europe through Iran and Russia.