The development of smaller ports along the coast aims to improve:

Connectivity and trade
Tourism
Fishing industry
Shipbuilding

The correct answer is: a) Connectivity and trade.

Smaller ports along the coast can help to improve connectivity and trade in a number of ways. First, they can provide a more direct route for goods to be transported between different parts of the country. Second, they can help to reduce the cost of transportation by providing a shorter route for goods to travel. Third, they can help to create jobs in the local area.

Tourism is not the main aim of developing smaller ports along the coast. While these ports may attract some tourists, their main purpose is to improve connectivity and trade.

The fishing industry is not the main aim of developing smaller ports along the coast. While these ports may be used by fishermen, their main purpose is to improve connectivity and trade.

Shipbuilding is not the main aim of developing smaller ports along the coast. While these ports may be used to build ships, their main purpose is to improve connectivity and trade.

In conclusion, the development of smaller ports along the coast aims to improve connectivity and trade.