Islamabad: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore joint cooperation in marine tourism, recognizing the immense potential of their vast coastlines and rich marine biodiversity to boost sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, put forward a proposal for enhanced marine tourism collaboration during a meeting with Sri Lankan Minister for Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Niroshan Rathnayake in Islamabad.

Junaid Chaudhry emphasized the significance of marine industries, including fisheries and tourism, in supporting livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. He highlighted that approximately 3 billion people depend on the ocean economy, with a large portion residing in developing regions.

Global studies indicate that coastal and marine tourism generates around 6.5 million jobs worldwide, with projections showing the ocean economy growing by 3.5 percent annually. By 2030, marine and coastal tourism is expected to become the largest value-added component of the marine economy, accounting for up to 26 percent of total production.

Pakistan, with a 1000-kilometer coastline, aims to develop its coastal and marine tourism sectors. The focus is on promoting harbor cruises, recreational fishing, yachting, and maritime heritage tourism, particularly around Gwadar and Karachi, to diversify its blue economy.

The minister proposed initiatives such as joint marine tourism routes or packages linking key coastal destinations in both countries. He also suggested enhanced ferry services, cultural exchanges, and coordinated marketing campaigns.

Sri Lankan Minister Rathnayake welcomed the proposal, noting that his country’s established marine tourism infrastructure could complement Pakistan’s emerging coastal tourism market. He stated that cooperation could expand mutual tourism growth and promote shared marine and cultural assets.

Sri Lanka recently launched a Marine Tourism Roadmap, focusing on eco-friendly tourism zones and upgraded infrastructure in areas like Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Mannar, and Jaffna.

Junaid Chaudhry noted the growing interest in organized tour packages from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, underscoring the need for improved connectivity and tourism synergies. Both ministers agreed that collaboration in marine tourism could generate employment, promote marine conservation, and support sustainable coastal development, contributing significantly to the regional blue economy.