Chennai: In a move aimed at enhancing trade relations between India and Europe, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with Venice Port Authority.
“Today’s event is an important milestone for Indo-Italian trade cooperation and more particularly for collaboration for JNPT and Port of Venice. These two ports are entering into a new era of mutual friendship in maritime activities”, Union shipping minister G K Vasan said.
Stating that JNPT expects to strengthen the relationship and enhance direct shipping to and from Venice, he said the MoU is bound to be a mutually advantageous relationship for not only the two Ports, but for trade of both countries.
He said Port of Venice, visited by over 2 million passengers every year and the first home port for cruise ships, could share its expertise with JNPT on promoting tourism related activities in India.
“I hope the MoU between JNPT and Port of Venice would help collaborate both the Ports in the areas of port operations, port management, marine construction and human resource development,” he said.
Venice Port Authority Captain Antonio Revedin said import and export between European countries particularly Northeast Italy, South of Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and India was gradually increasing. This could create opportunities to set up direct liner services between Indian ports and Northern Adriatic Ports’ Association founded by countries like -- Venice, Trieste, Ravenna, Koper and Rijeka.
However, it may be noted that a Venetian ship-owner Sermar Line had earlier signed a cooperation agreement with Shipping Corporation of India’s agent in Italy -- Cesare Fremura Maritime Agency.
Under this agreement, a weekly container service already connects Venice, Ravenna and Koper to major Indian ports.
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