BIMSTEC Ports Conclave Day 2 Highlights Maritime Cooperation, Tourism Potential, and Port Reforms

The 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, port efficiency, and cruise tourism in the Bay of Bengal region. The conclave featured high-level panel discussions on key regional challenges and solutions, including intra-regional trade, cruise tourism, and human resource development. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairperson M. Angamuthu participated in the conclave.

The 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave, held in Visakhapatnam from July 14 to 15, 2025, focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, port efficiency, and cruise tourism in the Bay of Bengal region. The event, themed "Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships," aimed to strengthen regional maritime collaboration and drive economic integration [1].

Key highlights of the conclave included high-level panel discussions on enhancing intra-regional trade, cruise tourism, and human resource development. The event featured prominent BIMSTEC representatives, Indian officials, and technical experts who shared insights and solutions to key regional challenges [2].

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the importance of regional maritime cooperation and trade connectivity under the BIMSTEC framework. The conclave also saw the participation of Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairperson M. Angamuthu, who moderated sessions on port efficiency and cruise tourism [3].

On the second day of the conclave, sessions were held on boosting intra-regional trade, cruise tourism, and human resource development. The discussions highlighted the need for streamlined customs, removal of regulatory hurdles, and improved logistics to ensure seamless cargo movement and port operations. The potential for cruise tourism was also explored, focusing on collaborative promotion of cruise circuits, eco-tourism, and heritage-based coastal tourism [3].

In addition to the discussions, the conclave saw the launch of multiple capacity-building initiatives worth over ₹276 crore by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. These initiatives aim to modernize port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency, and elevate the port's status as a leading global maritime hub [4].

The BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 marked a significant step in aligning the shared aspirations of member countries to build an inclusive, resilient, and thriving Bay of Bengal. The event underscored the region's potential as a global maritime trade hub and the importance of sustainable development and innovation in port infrastructure.

References:
[1] https://indiashippingnews.com/bimstec-ports-conclave-2025-advancing-maritime-cooperation-in-the-bay-of-bengal/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/union-minister-sonowal-to-inaugurate-bimstec-ports-conclave-in-vizag-on-july-14/articleshow/122420669.cms
[3] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/day-2-of-bimstec-conclave-focuses-on-maritime-cooperation-tourism-potential-and-port-reforms/article69816072.ece
[4] https://indiashippingnews.com/sarbananda-sonowal-launches-capacity-building-initiatives-worth-%E2%82%B9276-crore-at-visakhapatnam-port/