Kochi: India is giving topmost importance to develop its blue economy, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday while inaugurating several key projects in Kochi.
"Our vision and work in this sector include improving infrastructure on current ports, more ports, offshore energy, sustainable coastal development and coastal connectivity," he said.
The Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan had welcomed PM Modi by draping a shawl and presenting a memento to him in Kochi.
During his tour to Kerala, the Prime Minister has dedicated the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL); Ro-Ro Vessels at Willingdon Islands, Cochin; International Cruise Terminal "Sagarika" at Cochin Port; Marine Engineering Training Institute, Vigyana Sagar, Cochin Shipyard Limited to the country and laid the foundation stone of Reconstruction of South Coal Berth at Cochin Port.
PM Modi further said, "The Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical complex of Kochi Refinery will help strengthen our journey towards being Atmanirbhar," adding that a wide range of industries would gain employment opportunities with the help of the project.
Tourists come to Kochi not only as a transit point to go to other parts of Kerala and the spiritual, market, historical and other such places are widely known, he remarked.
"The central government is undertaking several efforts to improve tourism here. The inauguration of Sagarika - the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi - is an example of this," he added.
Sagarika Cruise Terminal brings both comfort and convenience for tourists and will cater to over 1 lakh cruise guests, he said.
He also commented that local tourism has facilitated added livelihood to people in the local tourism industry and also connects our youth and culture stronger. "I urge our young start-up friends to think about innovative tourism-related products," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the tourism sector in India has grown well in the last five years, adding that India's ranking has jumped from 65th to 34th in the World Tourism Index.
