Visakhapatnam Port Authority to host 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on July 14–15
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) will be hosting the 2nd Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ports Conclave on 14–15 July 2025 in Visakhapatnam to reaffirm India’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime connectivity and cooperation across the region.
The two-day conclave, themed “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships,” will bring together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It will be inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
“This Conclave will enhance India as an enabler and facilitator in the Maritime sector. Perhaps this will strengthen our PM’s resolve to ‘Act East Policy’ imperatives and ‘Neighborhood First Policy realm,’‘ M Angamuthu, Chairperson, VPA told businessline. “It will also give development perspectives in the maritime economy and generate mutual benefits to all stakeholders,’‘ he added.
Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the conclave will feature deliberations on: Harit Sagar (Green Ports) and shore-to-ship power supply. Green hydrogen integration and de-carbonisation pathways. Smart logistics corridors, SEZs, and port-linked industrialization
Ministers of Transport and Ports from BIMSTEC countries. Senior officials from Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India. Delegates from Shipping Corporations, Port Trusts, Logistics Companies. Experts from UNESCAP, ADB, BIMSTEC Secretariat, and international think tanks B2B and G2B sessions will open avenues for cross-border collaboration, MoU signings, and project-level discussions to catalyse investment and innovation in the region.
As India’s Eastern Gateway and a leader in green and smart port initiatives, Visakhapatnam Port stands as a symbol of India’s Maritime resurgence. With its advanced port infrastructure, cruise terminal, and multimodal logistics ecosystem, Vizag provides the perfect backdrop to discuss the next phase of BIMSTEC’s Maritime journey.
The 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 is poised to be a transformative event that redefines the Bay of Bengal as the next global trade hotspot. It will pave the way for resilient maritime ecosystems, regional connectivity, and a shared future of prosperity, innovation, and sustainability.
The Bay of Bengal is more than a geographic expanse—it is a strategic maritime bridge between ASEAN and SAARC, and a vital conduit for energy, trade, and geopolitical connectivity. BIMSTEC plays a pivotal role in creating a prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific, in line with India’s Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First, and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
Published on July 13, 2025
