ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs continued diplomatic efforts for its candidacy for the election of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) being held next year and hosted ambassadors from Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe to share its perspective.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi held a meeting with the envoys of Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Ukraine to share the initiatives in maritime affairs, elections of IMO and the investment-friendly environment.
Advisor to PM on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razzak Dawood and Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudary Fawad Hussain also graced the occasion. Ali Zaidi informed the dignitaries about the new shipping policy containing incentives for the private ship owners.
The minister highlighted the steps taken for the refurbishment of the Korangi Fisheries Harbour, Karachi being the only deep-sea fishing harbour in Pakistan which would substantially boost Pakistan’s seafood exports.
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He said Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan declared the year 2020 to be the year of Blue Economy and even during the pandemic of COVID19, the ports of Pakistan operated 24/7 with Port Qasim Authority (PQA) handling a record cargo during the peak time, even though many regional ports were closed.
He said the incumbent government has introduced the concept of Blue Economy in Pakistan to open up the maritime sector and realise its potentials for the first time in the areas of coastal tourism, seafood export enhancement and improvement of Karachi’s infrastructure as “Ports Run Cities”.
Ali Zaidi mentioned Pakistani Seafarers and the creation of an online portal which gives digital access to seafarers’ data. He also emphasised for facilitation for Pakistani Seafarers visas. He informed the ambassadors about Pakistan’s intentions to contest Category C elections of IMO in the coming year.
