Govt eyes stronger IMO maritime cooperation

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said that Pakistan is prioritising port modernisation, the blue economy and environmental sustainability as part of wide-ranging reforms to transform the country's maritime sector.

During a meeting in Istanbul with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the minister briefed him on the government's initiatives to attract maritime investment, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen international cooperation.

The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in ship recycling, maritime governance, the blue economy and environmental protection. Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan's efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems through large-scale mangrove plantation and other sustainable initiatives. Dominguez praised Pakistan's progress in maritime reforms and welcomed its efforts to advance ship recycling, strengthen maritime governance and harness the potential of the blue economy.

The IMO secretary-general also expressed interest in visiting Pakistan to further deepen cooperation and review ongoing maritime initiatives. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and the IMO to promote a safer, more sustainable and competitive maritime sector while expanding opportunities in the blue economy.