The Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) and Chemicals & Fertilisers, Mr Mansukh Mandaviya, last week met the Secretary General of IMO Mr Kitack Lim at the 50th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland.
They discussed the various global maritime issues concerning India, like ban on single use plastic for reducing marine pollution, availability of low sulphur fuel complying with the IMO 2020 regulation, and installation of the Mahatma Gandhi bust at IMO headquarters, London.
As India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Mr Mandaviya impressed upon having a bust of the Father of the Nation at the IMO headquarters as a mark of respect to the great global leader, which was consented to by Mr Lim. “This will be one of the prominent busts of Mahatma Gandhi at UN headquarters in the world. It is indeed a matter of great honour and a proud moment for India,” Mr Mandaviya told the media.
India’s engagement with the IMO and the international community in the global maritime scenario was applauded by the Secretary General. Its recent initiatives such as accession to the Hong Kong Convention and enactment of the Recycling Act 2019 were also greatly acknowledged and appreciated. Mr Lim also assured his full cooperation to Indian seafarers in custody in different countries.
Mr Mandaviya, during his visit to the World Economic Forum Meeting 2020, had a number of one-on-one meetings with all important world leaders and CEOs of global companies.
