Islamabad (Web Desk): Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco has extended all out cooperation to Pakistan for harnessing its maritime trade and ship recycling potential.
He was addressing 'International Maritime Business and Finance Conference' in Islamabad on Thursday.
The IMO chief emphasised measures for protecting maritime environment and ensuring a sustainable working of maritime sector, the Radio Pakistan reported.
“International maritime organization is not just about protecting the maritime environment but also aims at evolving such safety protocols which are necessary to continue the international maritime trade in a sustainable manner,” he said.
The IMO secretary general is on a three-day visit to Pakistan during which he will also attend an International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition in Karachi.
This is the first ever visit to Pakistan by a secretary general of the International Maritime Organization.
The visit will offer an opportunity for Pakistan and the Organization to enhance collaboration in maritime sector and blue economy.
Addressing the conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to environmental sustainability, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
He highlighted the initiatives for modernising 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 centres 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.