New Delhi,
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday asserted that waterways will usher in a new era of growth in the North East (NE) region. The Minister made the statement after inaugurating an exhibition at the 'Waterways Conclave' in Assam's Dibrugarh, which started on Monday.
"A waterways ecosystem that will connect India with its neighbouring nations and lead to newer job opportunities is being developed under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision," Sonowal, who is also the Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, said. Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in a statement said, more than 40 national and global companies are participating in the exhibition.
"The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has set up a theme pavilion to highlight the potential of the waterways sector and showcase its projects. Additionally, a dedicated Netherland country pavilion - comprising several Dutch companies to showcase new technology and innovation for the waterways sector - is set up at the exhibition. Among others, L&T, Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymer Limited (BCPL), ITD Cementation are participating in the exhibition," the release said. As many as six MOUs are slated to be signed during the two-day event, it said.
The conclave is also taking forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 'Vocal for Local' by giving a platform to local companies to highlight Assam's handicrafts, tea and artisans in the exhibition, it added.