Karachi: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal announced that Pakistan is making rapid progress in the maritime sector, highlighting the vast investment opportunities along its coastal belt. He was speaking at the inauguration of the second Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 at the Expo Center in Karachi.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized Pakistan’s strategic geographical position as a natural bridge between the East and West, serving as a gateway for trade, innovation, and economic growth. The government is focusing on fully leveraging the potential of the blue economy, renewable energy, fisheries, mineral resources, and information technology sectors. Significant efforts are underway to upgrade the country’s ports to meet global standards.

The Minister further outlined the Uraan Pakistan Plan, which aims to expand the national economy to one trillion dollars by 2035. He noted that the Maritime Expo serves as an effective platform for building partnerships in shipbuilding, logistics, marine biotechnology, aquaculture, and coastal tourism, facilitating sustainable growth in the maritime industry.

Meanwhile, Commander Karachi, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, briefed the media on the exhibition’s role in advancing Pakistan’s blue economy. He reported that 178 exhibitors, including 28 international and 150 local participants, along with 133 delegates from 44 countries, are attending the conference and expo. The event will feature B2B and B2G meetings, MoU signings, and an International Maritime Conference on Blue Economy, underscoring its potential for sustainable development.