The Union Minister of Shipping, Mr G. K. Vasan, presently on an official visit to Norway, highlighted India’s concerns about increasing incidents of piracy and the need for concerted unified action under the United Nations (UN) at the Maritime Summit 2011 here earlier this week. Ministers from 10 other countries participated in the event, фссщквштп ещ Exim News Service.

The international trends in shipping, challenges facing the industry, sustainable shipping and prospects of Arctic shipping were also discussed.

Earlier, Mr Vasan attended the first meeting of the Indo-Norway Joint Working Group (JWG). Senior officials and representatives of the industry from both sides participated in the meeting which was very fruitful. The JWG discussed issues relating to shipbuilding, coastal shipping, sustainable shipping and use of LNG as an alternative fuel. The next meeting of the JWG will be in India in 2012.

Mr Vasan is in Norway at the invitation of Mr Trond Giske, Minister of Trade and Industry, government of Norway, to participate in the Maritime Summit 2011 and Nor Shipping Conference and Exhibition. Mr Giske had visited India last year and Mr Vasan’s visit is in continuation of that.

India and Norway have a strong and enduring relationship. Indo-Norway trade is growing and is currently valued at $ 800 million, having increased nearly five times in the last decade. This trend is expected to continue.

Mr Vasan also had a bilateral meeting with Mr Giske, during which issues of mutual interest were discussed. Norway shared India's concerns about the increasing incidents of piracy. The ministers deliberated on areas where India could benefit from Norwegian expertise, such as shipbuilding, coastal shipping, coastal LNG trade, beautification of lighthouses, etc.

Mr Vasan also met the Japanese Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Mr Seiichi Ohkuchi, on the sidelines of the Summit. They discussed issues of mutual interest for furthering cooperation in the maritime sector.