President Alvi says Pakistan will adopt a responsible strategy on ‘blue economy’

F.P. Report

KARACHI: President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday addressed the inaugural session of 9th International Maritime Conference; he commented that Pakistan besides defending its maritime borders would adopt a responsible strategy on blue economy for sustainable use of ocean resources in the benefit of mankind.

Mentioning significance of Blue Economy for the country President said Pakistan was transforming into a geo-economic hub and taking effective steps on blue economy for improved livelihoods while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.

The Conference titled ‘Development of Blue Economy under a secure and sustainable environment’ aimed at analyzing various facets of ocean economy, and achieving common goals of maritime prosperity and security in the region.

President Alvi emphasized the interest of mankind in renewable energy, fisheries, food security, transport, tourism and climate change, which he said, demanded an international cooperation to avoid exploitation of oceans.

While expressing satisfaction he added that Pakistan was heading towards sustainable blue economy by giving importance to food security related to oceans, adding that 90 percent depletion of fish stock in the coastal areas of Pakistan was not recoverable and mentioned that similar was the case with rest of the world.

Underscoring the exploitation of oceans he added that “For blue economy to thrive, the world needs to bring an end to irresponsible exploitation of oceans”.

President Alvi emphasized on the need for ‘inverted pyramid’ with a serious paradigm shift required in the thinking of mankind to stop exploitation of waters.

On the occasion, President also called international community cooperation stating that “As an international community, we need a discipline to avert the threat to nature by reducing our footprint.”

President Alvi also underlined that Pakistan would ensure its defence, but at the same time would promote morality based on cooperation among human kind.

The President said in a journey from geo-strategic to geo-economic hub, Pakistan offered the shortest trade route for Central Asia and China.

Furthermore, he was of the view that “Whether blue or brown economy, all depends upon on peaceful cooperation which should leads to the common prosperity of the globe”.

Adding that, “Hegemonic designs in any way hinder international cooperation. Ocean has the volume to be explored, but only in a responsible way.”

During his address, President Arif Alvi assured unstinted cooperation and assistance of the government to Pakistan Navy for pursuing the goals of regional peace and security.

On the other hand, Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi also addressed the gathering, he mentioned that Pakistan’s coastal areas were rich in biodiversity and offered immense scope for blue economy. Menti-oning China, Naval Chief Admiral remarked that China’s win-win strategy of China Pakistan Economic Corridor under the

Belt and Road Initiative was mutually beneficial for both countries and also for the entire region, he said.

The delegates from over 35 navies of the world gathered at the platform to discuss the opportunities provided under blue economy and suggest solutions based on emerging technology and innovations.