KARACHI, Nov 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry stated on Thursday that Pakistan aimed to build a $100 billion blue economy by 2047 and emphasized that the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC-2025) was more than just an ambition; it was a declaration of the nation’s intent.
He made these remarks while addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the PIMEC-2025 closing ceremony at the Expo Center here.
The minister said that the sea was our next frontier for trade, prosperity, energy, food and climate resilience. By 2047, we aim to transform Pakistan into a globally recognized blue economy powerhouse driving regional integration and sustainable maritime growth across the North Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Speaking about the event, the federal minister said PIMEC-2025 successfully gathered international partners, investors, experts, and maritime professionals to explore the vast opportunities within the blue economy. “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif,” he added, “we have launched an ambitious reform agenda to unlock this potential.”
He said that we were at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and East Africa. Pakistan is naturally positioned to be a regional maritime hub. After years of under-utilization, our fleet is now becoming the centre of our economic vision, trade stability and sustainable growth, he said and added that over the past few months, we have achieved meaningful progress. The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation fleet has grown from 10 to 12, he said and added, three more ships will be arriving over the next two months, inshAllah, this amounts to 60 percent growth in just five months. Our target is 30 ships by 2026 and 60 within three years, inshAllah.
The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs said that we also processed award of licence to first ever private sector company for the ferry service. We have initiated the establishment of Pakistan’s first bridge ship repair and recycling yard at Port Qasim, which is part of our sea to steel integrated maritime industrial complex, he said, that will also support the revival of Pakistan’s steel.
He said that we are reviving the Qadani Ship Repair and Recycling Yard with Rs 12 billion investment fully equipped with Hong Kong Convention on Environmental Standards.
He said that the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025 to 2035 has finalised targeting the double fisheries export within one year, inshAllah.
The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs said that we also look far beyond the present of Pakistan’s maritime century 2047-2147.
He said that his vision for next century is based on five pillars which include, we have already Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, Port Qasim, KPT, and Gwadar. Development of three new deep seaports, Port 4, Port 5, and Port 6, inshallah, he added.
He said that he envisions building Pakistan’s ship in future, Inshallah. Achieving 100 percent regional and green ports with modern connectivity to road, rail, and air. Leading regional maritime cooperation, promotes peace, sustainability, and shared for prosperity across our sea, he said.
The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs said that since he has taken charge of this ministry and observed its operations, he is very pleased with its ongoing performance.
He said that the Rs 100 billion target we are pursuing is not just a target; it is a testament to our resolve. We must be determined and have the sincere intention to strengthen Pakistan. If we do, then we can generate not Rs 100 billion, but Rs 2300 billion from here, and we can further strengthen our country’s economy, he said.
He said that we welcome investors from all corners. It is absolutely their right to invest here, but it is also our country, we must think about it.
He expressed confidence that our blue economy is our future and the officials at Port Qasim, Gwadar and, Fisheries department—they are all ready to serve the investors day and night. If the investors face any problem, go directly to these institutions, contact the ministry. We are prepared to provide them with every possible facility.
The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs said that our waters are ready to contribute to our economy, but we must also come with a passion to change these winds and build Pakistan into a strong and stable country.
It is pertinent to mention here that as many as of 83 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), with a combined value of Rs 76 billion, were inked during the PIMEC-2025 held from November 3 to 6.
Commander Karachi, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, Chairman of Badar Group and CEO of Badar Expo Solutions, Zohair Naseer and other dignitaries were also present.