India, Japan to strengthen their cooperation in maritime sector

New Delhi: India and Japan have decided to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector as a part of the overall robust bilateral relations. The two countries agreed to enhance their interaction through the existing forums and through port-to-port exchanges. These issues came up for a discussion between Union Minister of Shipping GK Vasan, who is on an official visit to Japan and his Japanese counterpart Akihiro Ohta , Minister of land, Industries and Transport and Tourism, Government of Japan. Vasan explained the developments that were taking place in India in the Ports sector and assured Ohta that concerns regarding infrastructure and connectivity of ports are being addressed expeditiously. In particular, he said that the ports in Ennore and Chennai are catering to the Japanese car exporters like Toyota and Nissan who have so far exported about 42000 and 300000 cars respectively from these ports. During the talks, Vasan thanked the Japanese government for its support to various Indian Ports and infrastructure projects through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also mentioned the possibility of JICA assistance to VOC Port at Thoothukudi for the upcoming Outer Harbour Project. Japanese Minister Ohta, while acknowledging the existing cordial relationship between India and Japan, assured that Japan will carry forward the momentum. He also thanked Vasan for his efforts in this direction and expressed Japan`s interest in shipbuilding and recycling industries in India. Vasan later visited the Yokohama port where he was received by Nobuya Suzuki, Deputy Mayor of Yokohama city and Masaharu Ikegami, the Vice Director General of the Ministry of Land, Industries and Transport and Tourism, (MLIT) Government of Japan.