Mumbai, Aug 9 (PTI) Union shipping minister Mansukh Mandaviya Friday said the government has set a target of transporting nearly 25 percent of cargo through coastal shipping and inland waterways over the next 10 years.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the nation's largest container port JNPT this evening, he said the port-led development initiatives taken by the government will help achieve this target.

"We have set a target of achieving 25 percent of cargo movements through coastal-shipping and inland waterways over the next 10 years. When we reach this target, we believe our exim cargo will increase by 25 percent," he said.

The minister further said increase in exim cargo will help us reduce inflation by nearly 2.5 percent.

"Our focus is not just development of ports but an integrated development of associated infrastructure, including railways, roads and airports. We are working towards that vision," the minister said.

He further said these initiatives are aimed at making the economy competitive in global markets and for that it is necessary to bring down the cost of logistics.

"Our logistics cost is around 14 percent, while the global average is 9 percent. We are still 5 percent costlier. If we have to become competitive, we need to explore all avenues to bring down this cost structure. The government is taking all the steps to make our exim cargo competitive in the world markets," Mandaviya added.

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