President urges regional blue economy boost

President Asif Zardari on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting regional marine cooperation and ensuring peace, progress and sustainability in the Indian Ocean region and stressed the need for collective action to harness the ocean's potential to addressing the climate challenges.

Addressing the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Cooperation via a video message, the president highlighted the pressing challenges of climate change, pollution and ecosystem degradation.

"Pakistan stands ready to partner with all stakeholders to promote marine cooperation and ensure that our region remains a bastion of peace, progress, and sustainability," the president told the meeting which focused on promoting collaboration among countries in the maritime sector.

The forum, held from December 14 to 16 in Kunming, China, is organised by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). The president said that the future world economic growth was going to be driven by the East due to its large population resources.

Highlighting the importance of the ocean as a shared lifeline and a source of immense economic opportunities, Zardari pointed out Pakistan's efforts to enhance its blue economy and protecting ecosystems and combat pollution.

The president praised Pakistan's partnership with China, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasising its role in knowledge exchange, technological advancement, and marine conservation. He underscored the development the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The president commended China's Global Development Initiative and CIDCA's efforts to embed sustainability in the forum's goals. He expressed appreciation for the inclusion of capacity building and island nations in the Forum's agenda.

"I am sure that this Forum will pave the way for greater economic cooperation among member countries," he said. He also called for collective efforts to protect marine resources and promote the blue economy for the benefit of future generations.