Rotterdam: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday that Indian and Rotterdam port authorities are working to digitalise processes in India to speed up cargo evacuation and reduce ship turnaround times.
The minister said India needs to significantly improve its port capacity. He visited the Port of Rotterdam and met its CEO, Boudewijn Siemons.
“The customs authorities in India and the authorities at the Port of Rotterdam are engaged to see how we can digitalise in India to bring in modern standards, faster evacuation of cargo, and speed up the turnaround time of ships,” Goyal told reporters.
He said India had doubled its port capacity over the past decade but still needed further expansion.
“Despite doubling our port capacity over the past decade, India still needs more capacity. By 2047, we expect port capacity to double twice over the next two decades to support GDP growth and international trade,” he said.
Goyal added that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would offer significant potential to businesses on both sides.
Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam serves as a gateway for Indian goods entering the European market and is a key hub for international trade and global supply chains.
The minister’s visit highlighted the Netherlands’ strategic importance as a gateway to Europe, particularly in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. With the agreement expected to create new opportunities for Indian exporters, the Netherlands’ ports, logistics infrastructure and connectivity with European markets could help facilitate increased trade and strengthen India-Europe supply chains.
Addressing the Indian community in Amsterdam, Goyal invited professionals and academicians to collaborate with Indian institutions and mentor start-ups.
Speaking about young people, he said youth in some parts of the world were being swayed by negativity. Referring to developments in Europe and similar issues that sometimes arise in India, he said, “Idea is that the youth have to be more responsive and responsible…your first loyalty has to be with the land that provides you work and feeds your family.”
