Call to fully exploit ocean economy

'Gwadar port not only important in context of economy but also has significance for defence'

GWADAR:

President Dr Arif Alvi Friday said Pakistan was determined to benefit from sea resources and blue economy.

Addressing officers and jawans of security forces here, he said Gwadar port was not only important in the context of economy but also had significance for defence.

He underlined the need for improving condition of roads to increase trade with the Central Asian states.

“We have to focus on regional connectivity, promotion of trade and marine economy.”

The President observed that Central Asian states were eager to get access to Gwadar port and undertake trade through Afghanistan.

He noted that Afghanistan achieved peace after forty years, adding Pakistan gave refuge to four million Afghan refugees.

“Permanent peace in Afghanistan will have good effect on our economy.”

He said the international community had recognized our efforts against coronavirus.

Timely decisions against the coronavirus pandemic not only benefited our people but was also beneficial for the national economy, he added.

The President said all the security forces of the country played a positive role for defence and during every challenge facing the nation.

He said cyber warfare was more dangerous than the deadly weapons. Pakistan had regularly faced cyber attacks and the security forces would have to be prepared to defend the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2022.