Chairman and Editor-In-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik exchanging views with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Mr Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh during a callon meeting at his office.
Federal Minister Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has outlined his vision to take maximum advantage of Pakistan’s coastline by streamlining operations through its ports and terminals and to transform them into hub of robust business activities. He expressed these views during a meeting with Chairman & CEO of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik who called on him to discuss the abundant opportunities Pakistan’s Maritim sector offers for economic development of the country.
The minister who has been serving Pakistan for last many decades and has a rich experience and a clear vision to take the country forward briefed Mr Malik about various initiatives, he has undertaken for the uplift of the maritime sector. The veteran politician regretted that despite passage of more than 75 years, Pakistan has neither fully utilized nor paid the utmost attention to its maritime sector.
During my term in office, my topmost priority would be to attract investment and facilitate businessmen and companies to bring Pakistan in the loop of international trade through its 1,050 kilometres (650 miles) long coastal line along the Arabian Sea, he stressed. Transformation of just this sector has the enormous potential for generating sustainable higher foreign exchange in billions of dollars from current meagre amount of just a few hundred millions, he said.
Additionally, Pakistani coastal line is very well positioned to offer strategic export hub not only for its own exports but also for the landlocked countries from the Central Asia, he added. “Trade through Pakistan’s ports, countries of the region can benefit tremendously by exporting their commodities and value-added products to the Middle East (ME), Europe, South Asia, and the African countries,” the minister said.
Minister Sheikh also shared his vision to improve performance of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) by finalizing its board and appointing a CEO from the private sector. Currently, Pakistan is operating 8 major ports. Out of these, three are the most important ones namely, Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port. Soon the KPT and other ports will be able meet international standards, leveraging the abundant opportunities they offer, he said. Gwadar port is the latest addition, and was revamped recently as part of the BRI, Chinese global infrastructure initiative, under its CPEC Project.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Mr Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh presenting a memento to Chairman & Editor-In-Chief of Pakistan Observer, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik.
This maritime port is the only deep seaport in the region, thus has the capability for handling the mega ships, he informed. Mr Faisal Malik while commending the federal minister’s vision, stressed efforts for uplift of the blue economy which encompasses a broad range of activities, including sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, tourism, renewable energy, and seabed resource extraction.
He said ease of doing business and streamlining of bureaucratic processes, can catalyze the growth of the blue economy. Moreover engaging with regional and global partners can also facilitate access to technology, investment, and best practices in maritime sector development, he said.
Malik emphasized the role of media in shaping public opinion and reiterated Pakistan Ob-server’s commitment to highlighting the need for progressive improvement for sustainable development in Pakistan. The minister assured the Chairman & CEO of Pakistan Observer that efforts would be made for the uplift of this neglected sector. We are in a process to establish clear guidelines for sustainable resource extraction and offering investments in green energy and tourism which encourage enabling environment for the blue economy.
He also commended the role of Pakistan Observer in highlighting the loopholes and short-comings in a positive way. This indeed is a service to the country and Pakistan Observer deserves appreciation for that, he said. At the end, the Federal minister of Maritime Affairs presented ministry’s memento to Mr Faisal Zahid Malik, for his dedicated services in the media industry.
