ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs (MoMA), visited the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), highlighting the critical importance of enhanced collaboration between MoMA and NIMA to drive Pakistan’s maritime development and unlock the potential of the country’s Blue Economy. The Minister expressed a strong interest in advancing key maritime sectors, including Aquaculture, Green Shipping, Maritime Tourism, and Green Ship Recycling.
During the visit, the Federal Minister received an in-depth briefing on NIMA’s role in shaping maritime policy, conducting research, and advocating for Pakistan’s maritime interests. The briefing underscored that Pakistan’s maritime economy currently represents less than 0.2% of its GDP—a stark contrast to the global standard of 8-10%. NIMA’s ongoing partnerships with governmental, national, and international stakeholders were also highlighted as essential to accelerating growth in Pakistan’s maritime sector.
In discussions that followed, options were explored about various facets of the Blue Economy and identified the urgent need for a cohesive national action plan to harness the country’s maritime resources. The Minister emphasized the value of coordinated efforts among MoMA, NIMA, and other maritime stakeholders to establish a future roadmap for sustainable growth across all areas of the maritime sector.
Reaffirming his commitment, the Federal Minister assured NIMA of his full support in achieving their mission to advance Pakistan’s maritime economy and emphasized that the collaborative vision would be instrumental in strengthening Pakistan’s standing in the global maritime domain.
