Dr. Motono Ichio, Senior Executive Director of YPC and the IAPH vice-president (Asia 1 region), held a workshop related to the Technical Committee on Planning, Operation and Finance (TC-POF) on October 22nd, 2025 in Chennai, India.

Participants from India included H.E. Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority, H.E. Irene Cynthia, Managing Director of the Kamarajar Port Limited, representatives from DP World Chennai and PSA Chennai, and Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, IAPH India Regional Director.

Japanese participants included officials from the Yokohama Port Corporation, the Tokyo Port Terminal Corporation, the Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corporation, the Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation, the Nagoya Port Authority, the Kobe Port and Harbor Bureau, the Osaka Port and Harbor Bureau, the Tomakomai Port Authority, the North Japan Port Consultant, Kyoto University, Kanagawa University, and the Secretary-General of the IAPH.

The Indian side explained the progress of its Port PPP initiative which has been advancing since 1997. At the Chennai Port, congestion at the gates improved dramatically, and terminal operation has become more efficient due to advances in information technology. On the other hand, there are concerns about excessive investment in container terminals because both the central and the state governments hold port development rights. In addition, the imbalance in competitive conditions between starter and latecomer terminals must be addressed, as the taxation system has changed.

The Japanese side introduced their ongoing measures on carbon neutrality, digitalization and hinterland connectivity, and requested the Indian side to share their initiatives. Japan and India agreed to collaborate closely on these issues.

Finally, Dr. Furuichi, Secretary General of IAPH, introduced the history of IAPH and its motto, and encouraged the Indian IAPH member ports to actively participate in the IAPH activities.

On a separate occasion, the Japanese delegates visited the ports of Chennai and Kamarajar. They also visited an Origin Industrial Park developed jointly by Sumitomo Corporation and Mahindra, where several electronics and health care manufacturers have started operations.