Islamabad: In a strategic meeting aimed at bolstering economic resilience, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Minister of State for National Food Security and Research, Malik Rasheed Ahmed Khan, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the maritime sector and food security. The ministers discussed enhancements to the country’s import-export infrastructure and food logistics, while highlighting the importance of interministerial partnerships in navigating food supply chain challenges.

The federal minister noted the critical role of the maritime sector in promoting food security, especially as Pakistan continues to depend on imported food items. He identified the improvement of port facilities and expansion of logistical networks as key priorities for fostering economic growth.

State Minister Malik Rasheed Ahmed Khan stressed the importance of ensuring a resilient and efficient food supply chain. He underscored that the smooth movement of goods through Pakistan’s ports is essential for maintaining food security, particularly in the face of global economic challenges and climate change.

The ministers agreed on the necessity of modernizing port infrastructure to address congestion and inefficiencies affecting food shipments. They discussed potential collaborations to expand cold chain logistics, crucial for transporting perishable items effectively.

Both ministers highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in strengthening the logistics network. They recognized that while the government can provide regulatory support, private sector innovation and investment are key to optimizing processes.

The meeting also addressed the impact of extreme weather on agricultural production and food logistics. The ministers proposed forming a joint task force to explore projects that would enhance food security logistics, review policies, and develop strategies to mitigate climate risks.

This collaboration marks a strategic effort to align maritime trade with food security, aiming to ensure a stable domestic food supply and increase Pakistan’s export competitiveness.