GCCI pushes for Goa as a logistics hub

PANAJI: Goa's apex trade body has appealed to the Government to develop the State as a logistics hub, which will also help neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Manguirish Pai Raikar, President of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( GCCI), along with a delegation of the body, yesterday met Industry Minister Mahadev Naik and pushed for steps from the Government to make the coastal State a logistics centre.

"GCCI feels Goa has the potential to emerge as a good logistics hub in western India. Such a hub will cater not only to Goa but also to large parts of Southern Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka," Raikar told reporters.

The chamber said although Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises recognises logistics as an industrial activity, the State has to still grant that recognition and give due importance to it.

"During the meeting, the Minister asked GCCI to prepare a roadmap with specific proposals for development of logistics in Goa," Raikar said.

The GCCI delegation made a presentation before Naik highlighting Goa's potential in this regard, he added.