ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Talking to the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco who met him in Islamabad on Thursday, the prime minister underlined Pakistan’s desire for expanding fisheries and maritime trade, exploring offshore resources, promoting coastal tourism, and fostering a sustainable shipbreaking industry.
The prime minister said that his government was prioritizing the blue economy as a central pillar of its economic development strategy. He highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in attracting investments and introducing modern technologies to advance fisheries and the shipbreaking sector.
Shahbaz Sharif hoped that through these efforts and with the support of IMO and international partners, Pakistan’s visibility on the maritime map of the world would be further enhanced.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif renewed Pakistan’s firm commitment to work with the international partners and the IMO to contribute to global efforts aimed at reducing maritime emissions.
The IMO secretary general appreciated the prime minister’s leadership and Pakistan’s proactive approach towards leveraging its maritime resources for economic progress and its role in the global maritime community.
Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco acknowledged Pakistan’s active participation in the international maritime community and assured continued support from the IMO in furthering collaboration for sustainable development.
