The port sector needs more investment-friendly policies if it has to attract private funds

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to the tune of USD 13.6 billion by 2012 against the current USD 3.21 billion, a study said.

"In the port sector, the projected investments, under 11th Plan, is about USD 22 billion of which 62 per cent is expected to be contributed by private sector (USD 13.6 billion)," an Assocham study has said.

It further said so far only USD 3.21 billion worth private investments have come in the sector, despite reasonably impressive economic growth.

The study said, "therefore, there is a need for investment-friendly policies in the port sector so that the projected investment levels are accomplished."

Private investments worth USD 3.21 billion came in from about five deals with an average deal size of USD 80.2 million. Gujarat Pipavav Ports received funding to the tune of USD 30 million from IDFC PE's India Development Fund, it said.

Subsequently, the flow of the investments in other ports from 3iS investment which invested in Mundra Port and Krishnapattam Port, and Warburg Pincus in Gangavaram Port, the study said.