Road-shows way forward to promote Indian seafarers Abroad
Last week, Prime Minister Modi
unveiled the Maritime India Vision 2030 document; taking a cue from it –
leading maritime bodies plan to conduct road shows in Europe to promote Indian
seafarers.
“India’s oldest union of
merchant navy officers, The Maritime Union of India (MUI) has planned to hold
road shows in European countries of Greece and Norway to promote Indian
seafarers amongst local foreign shipowners in the current year,” according to a
statement.
Mr Amar Singh Thakur, General
Secretary, MUI said the document has laid out a blue print for increasing the
global share of Indian seafarers to over 20 per cent in the near future which
is going to bolster the maritime economy of the country.
Also, the move will attract
young Indian workforce to join merchant navy in the years to come, he said.
“In the current year, once COVID
pandemic comes under complete control in Europe, we intend to collaborate with
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India and also with India’s apex
shipping body, The Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents
(MASSA),” he added.
With the collaboration,
publicity and marketing events will be organised at the premises of Indian
embassies in Greece and Norway for promoting Indian seafarers amongst Greek and
Norwegian shipowners.
MUI will invite Union Minister
of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India Mansukh Mandaviya to head
the proposed delegation of MUI and MASSA representatives for interacting with
Greek and Norwegian shipowners at the Indian embassies in Greece and Norway.
Capt Mahendra Bhasin, Chairman,
MASSA said the impetus of the government to increase job opportunities for
Indian maritime workforce will also boost the growth of buoyant crew manning
industry of India. “Going forward, we are committed to supporting such
marketing initiatives aimed at promoting Indian seafarers across the globe,” he
added.
The government has set-up a
maritime development fund to provide low cost, long term funding to maritime
sector stakeholders.
IMS