Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry stated that Pakistan is prioritising port modernisation, the blue economy, and environmental sustainability as part of wide-ranging reforms to transform the country's maritime sector. He made these remarks during a meeting in Istanbul with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Meeting Highlights and Bilateral Cooperation
During the meeting, Minister Chaudhry briefed Dominguez on the government's initiatives to attract maritime investment, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthen international cooperation. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in ship recycling, maritime governance, the blue economy, and environmental protection.
Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan's efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems through large-scale mangrove plantation and other sustainable initiatives. Dominguez praised Pakistan's progress in maritime reforms and welcomed its efforts to advance ship recycling, strengthen maritime governance, and harness the potential of the blue economy.
IMO Secretary-General's Interest in Pakistan
The IMO Secretary-General expressed interest in visiting Pakistan to further deepen cooperation and review ongoing maritime initiatives. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and the IMO to promote a safer, more sustainable, and competitive maritime sector while expanding opportunities in the blue economy.
