Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared the blue economy a central pillar in Pakistan’s economic development strategy during a meeting with Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who visited him in Islamabad.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister expressed the government’s firm commitment to working with international partners and the IMO to contribute to global efforts aimed at reducing maritime emissions. He discussed the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in attracting investments and introducing modern technologies in order to advance Pakistan’s fisheries and shipbreaking sectors.
Sharif expressed hope that these efforts, supported by the IMO and international partners, would enhance Pakistan’s visibility on the global maritime map. He also outlined Pakistan’s ambition to expand fisheries and maritime trade, explore offshore resources, promote coastal tourism, and foster a sustainable shipbreaking industry.
On his part, Secretary General Velasco appreciated Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership and Pakistan’s proactive approach towards leveraging its maritime resources for economic progress and its role in the global maritime community. Velasco acknowledged Pakistan’s active participation in the international maritime community and assured continued support from the IMO in furthering collaboration for sustainable development.
Earlier, the Prime Minister warmly welcomed Secretary General Velasco and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the IMO.