MSME Department, Government of Odisha in association with World Trade Center Bhubaneswar organized a high level stakeholder’s consultation meeting to boost cargo operations from Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT) of Paradip Port. Representatives from International Cargo Lines, leading exporters from the state and some other stakeholders participated in the meeting.

Shri. Saswat Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha deliberated on Odisha Export Promotion Policy to boost and assist exporters to enhance the export scenario of the state and feeder vessels to operate on weekly basis from the port to assist the exporters.

Mr. Venkateswara Rao, Chief Logistics Officer, JSL made a detailed presentation on scope of Container Cargo Business through Paradip Port Terminal.

Mr. Rajen Padhi, Commercial Director, B-One Business House spoke on the cargo handling capacity of Paradip Port, Cargo movement from Vishakhapatnam to Paradip takes about 14 hours which can be curbed by commencing the cargo movement from Paradip and other nuances of the port.

Dr. Kamlesh Mishra, President, Sea Food Exporters Association of India – Odisha Region presented on the industry perspective on the cargo operations and export scenario in the state and significance of value added products.

Mr. Archiman Lahiri, Deputy Director, MPEDA in his address deliberated on 44 potential marine products exporters who could use the Paradip Port for export business and revenue generation avenues for the marine exporters as well as the Port Authority.

Mr. P.L Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman, Paradip Port Trust spoke on the facilities offered by Paradip Port as to become the most preferred port in the country, container projection of the port, concession for vessel operators and collaborative measures to enhance exports from Paradip Port.

Stakeholders and representatives from major shipping lines discussed the bottlenecks for commencing cargo operations from PICT as well as provided a way forward to facilitate more cargo traffic at the port.

The meeting was held on Friday, 4^th August 2023 at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.