Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal vowed to turn Pakistan’s blue economy into a major engine of export-led growth. He said maritime sectors can boost exports, jobs, and sustainable development. The pledge came during a high-level forum on maritime growth in Islamabad.
While presiding over the roundtable, the minister said Pakistan holds vast untapped maritime potential. He stressed that better use of ocean resources can increase foreign exchange earnings. Therefore, the blue economy must move from potential to performance.
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During the session, officials shared a roadmap for maritime sector development. The briefing highlighted fisheries, aquaculture, ports, shipbuilding, and tourism as key areas. However, gaps in value addition and infrastructure currently limit returns.
The forum was told that Pakistan’s goal of a one trillion dollar economy needs rapid export growth. Effective use of underdeveloped sectors will be critical to achieving this target. As a result, maritime industries were described as strategic priorities.
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The minister noted progress on Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar development projects. He also highlighted work on shipbuilding and Gadani Shipyard revival. Ultimately, he called for coordinated action to unlock full maritime potential.