New Delhi, Mar 30 (KNN) There should be a comprehensive and holistic port wise plan of action to enhance trade and ease the business environment in India, recommended a study.

The Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), an economic research organisation, on Wednesday launched its report on ‘Bridging Infrastructural Deficits at Select Trade Ports in India’. The study was supported by Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British High Commission, New Delhi.

It is aimed at infrastructural and policy-led development of India’s sea and land ports, BRIEF said in a release.

The study was conducted from April 2015 to March 2016. The ports covered included Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai Port Trust, Paradip Port Trust, Haldia Dock Complex, V.O Chidambaranar Port Trust (Tuticorin), Cochin Port Trust, Adani Ports and SEZ (Mundra), Attari Integrated Check Post and Petrapole Land Customs Station. It focussed on identifying critical infrastructural gaps and policy reforms that need to be addressed to capitalize on trade opportunities in the country.

Various issues highlighted in the report include inadequate mechanization, low draft, lack of co-ordination between authorities, connectivity through roads and railways, frequent breakdown of port and Customs software (Port Community System and EDI, respectively), issues with the Risk Management System (RMS) for exports, high tariffs and uncompetitive costs, etc.

The study recommends a comprehensive and holistic port wise plan of action to enhance trade and ease the business environment. The study has also addressed various issues pertaining to Customs through a focus on system strengthening and integration, building a user information portal on import data, need for 24x7 Container Freight Stations, and need for regular trade facilitation meetings at ports.

Given the government’s vision of achieving 3130 Million Tonnes (MT) capacity by 2020 inIndia with an investment of 2.98 lakh crore, the findings of this report have come at an opportune moment as it focuses on key areas of reform that require investment as well as the restructuring of port policies to support such development.  For a developing economy of India’s size and potential, this development is necessary to capitalize on trade opportunities and promote growth, said the study.

Talking about the report, Mohammed Saqib, CEO, BRIEF, adds, “It’s not all about investments. While technology and international experience are a necessary pre-requisite for port development, they must also be complemented with efficient coordination and communication between the authorities and the stakeholders in the country. The recommendations made in this report have been designed to aid overall development of the Indian Ports Sector, which in turn will have positive effects on the Indian Economy.” (KNN Bureau)