Islamabad (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday reiterated Pakistan's commitment to environmental sustainability, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
Addressing the International Maritime Business and Finance Conference in Islamabad, the deputy prime minister highlighted the initiatives for modernizing the fisheries and shipbreaking sector with advanced technology and practices.
He said Pakistan's port sector offers significant investment opportunities with several terminals operated by international groups.
“We are transforming our ports into centers of regional and international trade,” FM Dar said.
Earlier, in his welcome address at the conference, Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that Pakistan fully complies with the regulations of International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He said that Pakistan's coastline spans over 11,000 kilometers, and its strategic location makes it even more significant.
“We are trying to reduce the global footprint and make maximum use of green technology,” the minister said, adding that measures to deal with climate change must be adopted in every institution.
Qaiser Sheikh said that Pakistan is ensuring the protection of biodiversity and oceans while keeping in mind the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 2014.
“Our maritime professionals, whose expertise is of the international standard, can be sent abroad,” the minister said, adding that Pakistan is ready to work with global organizations to promote ship making, ship recycling and blue economy.
Qaisar Sheikh thanked the International Maritime Organization, especially China and Norway, for extending technical support to Pakistan.