Experts for updating maritime policy to promote 'blue economy'.

ISLAMABAD -- The experts on Tuesday underscored the need for updating maritime policy, vision to cope with challenges and lift the blue economy as the country had immense potential in the sector to expand and uplift national economy.

The experts made these remarks during the Webinar titled 'New Technology for Greener Shipping' organized here by National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) following the launching ceremony of the special edition of 'Economic Affairs' magazine on World Maritime Theme Day 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral (R) Abdul Aleem said Pakistan had unparallel resources in marine life, but unfortunately the country was lagging behind developed countries due to lack of technology, comprehensive maritime policy and vision.

'We have not given enough importance to the shipping industry as Pakistan had 70 ships five decades ago, that reduced to merely 13 ships in 2022 which covers only ten percent seaborne trade of the country,' he added.

He said that Pakistan had over 1,000 kilometers (km) long coastline which could attract thousands of tourists and become a tourism magnet of the region like Maldives with shining gold like sand dunes and unique coral reefs that were of exotic nature.

Professor, Bahria University Azhar Ahmad said that media should play its role to highlight the importance and challenges of blue economy as Pakistan had immense resources in the sector which were still untapped demanding exploration.

Highlighting the impediments of blue economy in Pakistan, he said sea blindness was a common phenomenon in developing nation including Pakistan as the sector had been neglected in the country due to land oriented mindset and understanding of the actual potential.

Former Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had major connection with Pakistani marine life as the country carried out 91% of its trade through sea. Therefore, it was high time to hold...