Goa’s Dabolim airport has long been the only airport in the state, handling not just passengers, but international trade, too. But, with the commissioning of the new airport at Mopa, in Pernem taluka, North Goa, all that is set to change.
“The much-awaited Mopa Airport will become a reality in 45-60 days as the trial flight landed a week ago,” said Goa’s Minister for Transport, Industries, Panchayat and Protocol, Mauvin Godinho. He was speaking at the Invest Goa road show which was held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai earlier this week.
“This airport, slated to be one of the 15 hubs along the Trans-Atlantic, Mediterranean, Trans-Pacific flight paths, is set to redefine the logistics industry in Goa as it will have a fully integrated logistics section to handle perishable goods as also general goods and heavy industrial cargo,” the minister said.
Speaking about the slew of reforms being carried out to promote Ease of Doing Business in the state, the minister informed, “The upcoming Goa Industrial Policy will be a landmark initiative to promote Ease of Doing Business in the state. Under this policy, government approval will be given instantaneously for all industrial projects that are eco-friendly.”
He added that the state government had relaxed the floor-area ratio for 4-star and 5-star hotel projects, and was simplifying the procedure for sanad for the conversion of industrial and commercial land. Furthermore, the minimum land required for an eco-tourism project had been reduced from 20,000 sqm to 5,000 sqm, while Goa’s ranking had improved from the 24th slot to the 16th in terms of Ease of Doing Business.
In his introductory statement, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) president, Ralph de Souza said, “Goa contributes 15 percent to the indigenous pharma production of India, and 80 percent to the construction equipment manufacturing of the country.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center, Mumbai, remarked, “World Trade Center Mumbai will support the ‘Invest Goa’ program by leveraging our global network of more than 320 WTCs across 100 countries. The center will also promote Goa through the diplomatic missions and trade attaches of foreign countries in India.”
Dr Kalantri suggested to the minister that Goa be promoted as the safest destination for foreign and local investors in the country. “Goa is the top ranking location for tourism in India, and this bears testimony to the law and order, peace and safety of the state. Goa is the only state in India to adopt a Civil Code, and it has achieved gender equality. In order to attract investment in the state, the state government may announce dedicated industrial parks for a select list of sectors such as electric vehicles, green energy, green hydrogen, agro-processing and textiles,” he said.
The two-day Invest Goa 2022 Summit will be held in Goa from October 6-7, 2022 at Goa.