• Unveils ‘Maritime at 100’ plan to transform sector into $100bn economic force
• Signs MoU with UAE covering knowledge exchange in various sectors

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared the “blue economy” as Pakistan’s new economic frontier, calling for a unified national effort to develop the maritime sector at the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025).

Speaking at the event, Mr Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position with over 1,000 kilometres of coastline at the crossroads of vital sea lanes, positioning the country to harness the trillion-dollar global blue economy.

“Even tapping a fraction of this economy could be a real game-changer,” he said, noting that Pakistan’s coastal trade already brings in nearly $7 billion a year. “Just imagine the potential if we fully develop this sector.”

Turning to national security, Mr Sharif commended the Pakistan Navy for safeguarding the country’s coastal areas during recent conflict with India, calling it “a formidable force through all conflicts” that “remains a strong pillar of our national security.”

The prime minister cited the AMAN Exercise, featuring participation from over 50 countries,

as a symbol of Pakistan’s global engagement and cooperative maritime posture.

Mr Sharif urged the nation to draw inspiration from countries like Japan, which became a global leader in marine infrastructure despite limited resources, emphasizing the need for resilience, innovation and open competition.

He stressed the need to transform the sector into a driver of sustainable economic growth.

“The time has come to take the lead,” Mr Sharif said.

He lauded the leadership of Naval Chief, Adm Naveed Ashraf and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry for their dedication.

“It is a great pleasure to see the Pakistan Navy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and in collaboration with key partners, organising the second edition of PIMEC,” Sharif said.

Building on the Prime Minister’s vision, Mr Chaudhry outlined the government’s roadmap for the sector, introducing the “Maritime at 100” Vision. The long-term plan aims to grow the maritime sector into a $100 billion economic force by Pakistan’s centennial in 2047.

The minister highlighted key economic drivers including a Rs88 billion fisheries industry and the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard, which has a recovery potential exceeding Rs30 billion.

Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff Commodore Ahsan Ali Khan emphasised the vast economic potential of the oceans.

“Oceans are not only a source of countless marine species and seabed resources — they also serve as the most cost-effective medium for transportation and global trade,” Khan said.

He noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a “practical demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to unlocking the blue economy’s potential.”

Zohair Naseer, CEO of Badar Expo Solutions, serving as co-organizer, expressed pride in collaborating with the ministry and navy for the second edition of PIMEC.

UAE-MoU signed

Later, the prime minister met with a UAE delegation led by UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange Abdulla Nasser Lootah

The prime minister said the UAE played a significant role in reducing tensions during the Pakistan-India conflict and expressed Pakistan’s keenness to learn from the UAE’s experiences.

Lootah praised the long-standing relations between the countries and appreciated the Pakistani community’s role in the UAE’s development.

The two officials then attended a signing ceremony for the Memora­ndum of Understanding (MoU), whi­ch aims to improve government performance through the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The agreement covers cooperation in areas such as good governance, public sector reforms, urban planning, and science and technology, among others.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2025