A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technology Cooperation in the Shipping and Ports Infrastructure was signed on Oct. 3 between India and Austria. The MoU was signed by Mr. G. K. Vasan, Minister of Shipping, with Mrs. Doris Bures, Austrian Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology in New Delhi.
Welcoming the Austrian Minister, Mr. Vasan recalled that traditionally Indo–Austria relations have been warm and friendly. There has been regular exchange of high level visits between the two countries during which the special emphasis is put on strengthening economic and commercial cooperation and scientific cooperation, he said.
Mr. Vasan stated: “Austria derives its importance by virtue of its active role in international organizations. With its central location in the heart of Europe and historical linkages and legacy with the countries of the region, Austria is also well placed to serve as a gateway to emerging market economies in Central and East Europe. Cutting edge technology is Austria’s forte in several niche areas of interest to us, particularly in infrastructure.”
Shipping continues to dominate as the world’s most efficient means of transportation and it is the endeavour of the Ministry of Shipping to take necessary initiatives to recognize, reward and promote quality whenever and wherever it is found within the industry, the Minister said.
New technologies for implementation of International Ship and Port Security Code, use of radio frequency identification in logistics and transport planning and optical character recognition in terminals to speed up the processing of containers in and out are the areas where Austrian expertise could be utilized in India, he added.
Realtime Kinematics (RTK) measurements of tides and currents for facilitations of berth to berth navigation in Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of
Khambat could be developed with Austrian expertise, Mr. Vasan hoped.
Since more than 300km of Danube River in Austria is used for navigation purpose with a well-developed and regulated inland waterway system their experience and expertise in the field of Inland Water Transport would be beneficial to the development of Inland Water Transport in India, the Minister felt.
Mr. Vasan also hoped that the signing of the MoU will pave way for sharing appropriate know-how, scientific knowledge and research and development capabilities between the two countries. It will enable the Indian organizations in the ports and shipping sectors to acquire latest knowledge and technology etc. from Austria.
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