Islamabad: In a significant development for Pakistan’s maritime sector, Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has pledged comprehensive support to Pakistan to enhance its capabilities in maritime trade and ship recycling. This assurance was given during his keynote address at the International Maritime Business and Finance Conference held in Islamabad on Thursday.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Secretary General Velasco emphasized the importance of safeguarding the maritime environment and advocated for the adoption of sustainable practices within the sector. He highlighted that the IMO’s goals extend beyond environmental protection, aiming to establish safety protocols essential for sustaining international maritime trade.
This marks the first visit to Pakistan by an IMO Secretary General, signifying a milestone that promises to bolster Pakistan’s engagement with international maritime affairs and the blue economy. Velasco is also scheduled to participate in an International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition in Karachi during his three-day visit.
During the conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s dedication to environmental sustainability, referencing the country’s vulnerability to climate change. Dar outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at modernizing the fisheries and shipbreaking sectors through advanced technology and practices, and highlighted the investment potentials within Pakistan’s port sector.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, in his welcome note, reaffirmed Pakistan’s adherence to IMO regulations and underscored the strategic significance of Pakistan’s extensive coastline. Sheikh also noted Pakistan’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and reiterated the country’s readiness to collaborate internationally on shipbuilding, ship recycling, and fostering the blue economy.