Vice Admiral (R) IftikharRao, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Maritime, disclosed that the government is shaping a futuristic Shipping Policy keeping in view the new dynamics of the Maritime Sector. The Policy would address all aspects that would lead to a pragmatic outlook and enable all stakeholders to participate with more determination. He added that Maritime Economic Security is also crucial although it is different from Maritime Naval Security.
Therefore, it is imperative that Maritime Economic Security and Maritime Military Security given equal importance. He was presenting his keynote address as Chief Guest at the Maritime Conference hosted by Global Compact Network Pakistan and Maritime Anti-Corruption Network based in Denmark.
Admiral Rao further stated that Pakistan pays over $7 billion each year to foreign shipping lines and this is a huge burden on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. He said that until 1960, Pakistan had no state-owned shipping company and now has only PNSC. He advised the private sector to enter the shipping sector since the future is very profitable in shipping.
He also advised that the private sector should become major players in the Blue Economy. In his opinion, those who are in the Maritime Industry are very fortunate and progressive.Majyd Aziz, President GCNP, in his welcome address, said that GCNP and MACN are focused on initiating fundamental change in the Maritime ecosystem through sensitizing, informing, and training stakeholders to substantially eradicate corrupt practices. He said that three major conferences along with many consultative meetings, individual sessions, webinars etc. have been undertaken.
He said he is pleased to report that all stakeholders and users of ports have unanimously joined the bandwagon and have pledged to achieve the objective of zero tolerance for corruption. He said the menace of corruption has tarnished the global image of Pakistan and at the same time increased the cost of doing business.Ms. Alia Shahid, Director General Ports & Shipping, in her speech stated that she has been involved with this project from day one and is pleased that momentum has been created to achieve the objectives. She added that any new project generally seems impossible but if it doable and feasible, then everyone must join to make it successful. Mathias Bak, Associate from MACN, in his presentation said that now it is time to undertake a collective action by all stakeholders.
