Mr. G.K. Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping
holds talks with Norwegian Minister
Mr. G.K. Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping held wide ranging discussions today with a visiting Norwegian delegation headed by their Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Trond Giske here in Delhi on bilateral co-operation in the maritime sector.
The two sides discussed maritime issues that would form part of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and countries of the European Free Trade Association. The discussions covered various aspects like vessel certification, qualification and identity documents of seafarers, co-operation in personnel training, labour disputes, maritime accidents, etc.
It was agreed upon by both sides to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) under the Indo-Norwegian Joint Commission. The terms of reference of the JWG, inter alia, include discussions on co-operation in shipping, shipbuilding, maritime training and education, development and application of green technology in the shipping sector and development of design and technology for installation of offshore wind energy systems.
It is expected that today’s discussions between the two Ministers would lead to enhanced maritime co-operation and improved trade relations between the two countries.
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MC/DG/MK