Mangaluru, July 14 (KNN) The first edition of the Karnataka Ports Conference 2023 being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) begins in Mangaluru on July 14, 2023.

The theme for the first-ever edition of the conference is ‘Ports- Backbone of Indian Economy and Atmanirbhar Bharat.’

The ports conference will bring together key stakeholders from the NMPA, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Department of Infrastructure and Department of Ports and Inland Water Transport, exporters and importers, logistic providers, railways to discuss and deliberate on the strategies for building and strengthening regional connectivity and facilitating socio-economic development in the region.

It will highlight the crucial role that ports play in the Indian economy by promoting the maritime sector, developing trade, and driving overall economic growth towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, CII said in a press release.

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is playing a crucial role in the economic development of the region and the country. The port’s economic significance extends beyond trade as it generates employment opportunities, attracts investments, and supports industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. Additionally, the port promotes coastal shipping, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation options for cargo movement along the Indian coastline, it added.

Key speakers of the conference include Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, chairman, CII Karnataka State Council and MD, Kennametal India Ltd; N. Venu, vice-chairman, CII Karnataka State Council and MD and CEO India and South Asia, Hitachi Energy India Limited; Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, chairman, NMPA; Harikumar A, Chief Executive Officer, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd.; Mohammad Dawood Sait, president, Indian Marine Ingredients Association, and M.P. Mullai Muhilan, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada.  (KNN Bureau)