Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has announced the establishment of the Maritime Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) to promote the blue economy and enhance environmental sustainability across Pakistan's maritime sector.
Speaking at the Pakistan Business Council Forum on Saturday, according to an official statement, the minister stressed the urgent need to align maritime development with sustainability goals, particularly in the context of increasing climate-related challenges in the Global South.
He pointed out that Pakistan's coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation, underscoring the necessity of a dedicated platform to drive eco-conscious policymaking.
The minister stated that the MCCI will offer a specialised institutional framework to unify stakeholders from across the maritime spectrum, including ports, shipping, logistics, fisheries, and marine services.
"This chamber will not only support investment and innovation in the maritime sector but also prioritise sustainability at ports, promote green technologies, and foster carbon reduction strategies," said Chaudhry, as per the statement. He reiterated the government's commitment to public-private partnerships and invited collaboration with environmental experts, industry leaders, and civil society to ensure that maritime growth supports both national and international climate objectives.
Chaudhry also reassured the business community that their concerns are being acknowledged and addressed, citing active coordination with the chief minister of Sindh to ensure cohesive and integrated action across all levels of governance.
Additionally, the maritime minister outlined the ministry's strategic roadmap for modernising Pakistan's port infrastructure. The focus areas include digitalisation, efficient cargo handling, and embedding environmental sustainability in port operations. The Pakistan Business Council expressed strong support for the initiative, recognising the establishment of the MCCI as a significant step toward building a climate-resilient and economically dynamic maritime economy, the statement added.
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