Page 11 - ITLN November - December 2023 for the magzter

n a major announcement during driven initiatives have streamlined these ports is not only crucial to
the recent G20 meeting in New India’s maritime trade ecosystem, India’s ambition of strengthening
Delhi, the India-Middle East- which could also be highlighted its manufacturing sector but also
IEurope Economic (IMEC) Corridor through a 20 percent reduction in pivotal in establishing itself as a vital
has emerged as a transformative import release time according to the player in the global value chain. To
opportunity to catapult Indian ports latest National Time Release Study realize this vision, initiatives focused
to the forefront of global trade. This (TRS) conducted by the Central Board on the development of Multimodal
ambitious corridor also reflects India’s of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in Logistics Parks (MMLP) need to be
steadfast commitment to strengthening 2023 compared to 2020. expedited, ensuring seamless cargo
its maritime trade infrastructure, While the IMEC corridor is still movement across diverse modes of
signalling a forward-looking approach at a nascent stage, it presents an transportation. Projects identified
to economic advancement. It also opportunity to explore India’s role under the PM Gati Shakti programme,
presents India with an opportunity within and beyond its immediate particularly those related to MMLPs,
to expand its successes under the boundaries. There is an untapped must be executed promptly, in tandem
regional Security and Growth for All in potential in linking IMEC across with the full operationalization of
the Region (SAGAR), and the domestic regions, including through India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors, thereby
Sagarmala initiatives. existing connectivity initiatives in its ensuring swift and cost-effective
With shifting dynamics in global eastern neighbourhood and ASEAN goods transportation via rail.
trade, Indian sea ports have undergone countries, thus extending the reach The journey towards trade
significant enhancements to increase and influence of this corridor. To align facilitation at Indian ports has
their global competitiveness. This Indian ports with global best practices, been marked by a sustained drive
includes infrastructural upgrades the next phase of reforms must towards digitalisation, a move that
and trade facilitation measures, focus on further strengthening the has significantly enhanced efficiency
from the introduction of Direct Port infrastructure and digital connectivity. and transparency. Indian ports have
Entry and Direct Port Delivery to the Addressing critical issues like low witnessed a remarkable transition
implementation of Centralized Parking draft capacity, perishable goods towards paperless trade, with further
Plazas, de-congestion of port areas, handling infrastructure, fortified last- measures needed to complete this
automated gate operation and RFID mile connectivity, a robust domestic transition towards a fully paperless
container tracking system. The logistics system, port mechanization, trade ecosystem. This encompasses
initiation of the Unified Logistics and improved inland waterways the integration of various systems to
Interface Platform (ULIP) stands as a connectivity must be prioritized. enable seamless message exchange
major future step to bring together all The maritime sector is essential among stakeholders in the trade
logistics stakeholders onto a unified to India’s global trade activities, ecosystem, encompassing Partner
platform. Moreover, measures like facilitating 95% of the country’s Government Agencies (PGAs) and
faceless assessments, Port Community international trade through its sea Indian Customs Electronic Commerce/
System (PCS) and other efficiency- ports. The efficient functioning of Electronic Data Interchange (ICEGATE),
as well as exchanges between ICEGATE
and custodians, particularly for
processes like the Customs’ ‘Out of
Charge’. Moreover, all stakeholders
must transition to the Unified Logistics
Interface Platform (ULIP) including
the private stakeholders such as
shipping lines and container freight
stations for digital message exchanges.
Sustaining efforts to encourage
the trade community to avoid hard
copies should continue to remain a
priority, achieved through capacity
building and outreach initiatives led by
relevant stakeholders, including port
authorities and customs authorities.
As the global momentum towards
In FY-2022-23, a total of 177 projects were completed green ports is gaining traction, India
at major ports, while currently, 162 projects are at must also outline a strategic blueprint
various stages of implementation with an investment for the transition towards Green
exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore. Ports. This entails the integration of
renewable energy sources, adopting
eco-friendly and climate-resilient
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