The Hon. Minister was welcomed by Mr. Anant Singhania, President of IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with a floral bouquet and a shawl.  

A 10 minute video on the History of IMC was presented to the Minister which detailed that the Chambers was Established in 1907 and has had its headquarters in the heart of the city of Mumbai ever since.  The IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chamber (IMC) is an apex Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry in the western region with its membership base of over 3000 members and over 150 trade associations affiliated to it. Together, it represents and advocates interests of over 4,00,000 business and industry establishments across the Country from diverse sectors of industry.

The Hon. Minister, requested that in light of the Govt. of India investing in the Chahabar Port in Afghanistan, the trade must consider using the said port, as it would be cheaper and grant quicker access to Central Asian countries and Russia as well.

Mr. Mark S Fernandes, Chairman of the Shipping and Logistics Committee, made the opening address, with reference to the Roles that need to be played by the Ministry of Shipping and the Ports, who are now Port Authorities/Landlords. Mr. Mark Fernandes also enlightened the Minister of the complete support of IMC members, to the Govt. of India and the Ministry of Shipping, to ensure that the Export Import Industry grows to a 15 Trillion Dollar economy. 

Mr. Fernandes also highlighted that Ease of Doing Business and the Reduction of Transaction/Handling cost played a vital role, in order to be competitive in the International markets.

Thereafter, Mr. Sushil Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Port, Ministry of Shipping, Mr. Sanjay Sethi, Chairman J.N Port Authority, Mr. Rajiv Jalota, Chairman Mumbai Port Authority enlightened the members of the steps taken to augment infrastructure in the Ports and the promotion of inland waterways Speaking on the occasion the Hon. Minister said the “PPP model in development of ports and the Ministry’s initiative of Sagarmala will be the finest strategy to make India the world’s powerful nation. Minister further said that the Government will need stakeholders support and contribution to help Country progress. Minister also highlighted various opportunities in shipping, ports and waterways.”

Congratulating IMC for its grand history, the Hon. Minister said the IMC’s experience of contributing to nation building can help the Government. The Ministry is working on connecting Indian waterways with Coastal Shipping. He further added that our Country can become Atmanirbhar, if we all work together towards that goal. He assured that he would continue engagement with the industry for development of ports and waterways.

The Hon. Minister, emphasized the need for a joint partnership with the IMC Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Shipping, which would be of immense benefit toward the development of infrastructure as desired by the Trade.

The Hon. Minister then requested each member present at the meeting, to kindly introduce themselves and enlighten him of the difficulties faced with suggestions to simplify the same.

Each and every member present, for the first time had the opportunity to interact directly with the Hon. Minister and seek his support.

The Hon. Minister patiently heard all the 35 members present and responded to each one as to what has been done and would be done in the future to ensure that their difficulties would be addressed.

The Hon. Minister then stated that this is the first of many meetings that would be held and looked forward to IMC making their suggestions in writing. 

Mr. Samir Somaiya, Vice President, proposed the Vote of Thanks, informed an IMC release.