The scholars and experts from across the world expressed their views on need of maritime security and sustainable growth during the 9th International Maritime Conference (IMC) 2021 being held in Karachi.
The conference was organised by National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), under the aegis of Pakistan Navy and being conducted in tandem with 7th multinational naval exercise Aman-2021.
The IMC is themed on 'Development of Blue Economy under a Secure and Sustainable Environment: A Shared Future for Western Indian Ocean Region'.
The second day of the IMC featured eminent international and national scholars to elucidate variety of issues pertaining to maritime security, environment and relevant growth opportunities in the region.
The second day of the conference was divided into three sessions. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf graced the first session as chief guest.
Addressing the session, Moeed said Pakistan has the potential of billion dollars blue economy but currently it is earning only 200 million dollars from ocean resources.
He said that Pakistan Navy is working day and night for the promotion of blue economy and stressed the need to promote coastal tourism.
During the session, Executive Director Institute of China America Studies, USA Dr Nong Hong, delivered important keynote on BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) and its Implications on maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and emphasised on keeping Indian Ocean stable in the wake of non-traditional security threats where interests of multiple stakeholders converge.
Later, Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi, during his talk, enlightened the audience on Pakistan Navy's contributions for maritime security and regional stability in the western Indian Ocean region.
The last speaker of the session was Rear Admiral (LH) Murat Dincman of Turkish Navy, who provided valuable insight on Turkish perspective on Maritime Security Challenges.
During the second session, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi attended the session as chief guest.
Distinguished scholars presented their talks on 'Development of Pakistan's Maritime Sector and Blue Economy’. CEO JS Global, Kamran Nasir highlighted Maritime Potential of Pakistan and Opportunities for Capitalising on Blue Economy whereas, Executive Director, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Khurram Mirza discussed Private Sector’s Engagements in the shipping industry of Pakistan.
Additionally, Head of Maritime Education &Training World Maritime University, SwedenDr. MichaelEkow Manuel emphasized on the importance of Maritime Research Training in Education. Later, Head of Marine and Aviation, Lloyd's Market Association, UK, MrNeil Roberts presented paper on Marine Insurance Supporting the Blue Economy and the last speaker of the session wasDr Edmund Hughes from Green Marines Associates, UK underscored the Contemporary Shipping Trends and Regulatory Requirements for Safety Management and Environment.
In the third and last session of the day, Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed graced the event as Chief Guest. During the session Scholars discussed the contours of 'Contemporary Strategic Environment of Indian Ocean Region and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation'.
Senator, Mushahid Hussain Syed was the first speaker to share his views on Significance of Building Strategic Partnership for Socio - Economic in Indian Ocean Region.
Mushahid who is also Chairman of Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee lauded Pakistan Navy’s maritime diplomacy as an example of Pakistan’s soft power outreach and ability to bring 45 diverse countries and navies on a common platform of peace in the Indian Ocean region.
He appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s positive regional role in peacetime, particularly anti-piracy operations and humanitarian help to victims of conflicts and natural disasters in the Indian Ocean Region.
Referring to the geopolitical context, he talked about the resurgence of the ‘Asian Century’ with an inexorable shift in the global balance of economic and political power from the West to the East.
Senator Mushahid Hussain also analysed two contrasting visions for the future of Asia.
The conference was attended by a large number of dignitaries from across the globe, defence forces officers from Pakistan and friendly countries, academia, media representatives and researchers from local and international think tanks.
IMC-21 is being held from February 13 to 15, 2021, covering the thoughts of distinguished International and National scholars.
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