Challenges to maritime trade discussed

Islamabad:The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) Islamabad, in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organised 2nd seminar of the series on Blue Economy, titled ‘Challenges to Maritime Trade.’

It was centred around regional connectivity initiatives including BRI, global & regional security imperatives, latest technological & climate stimuli, etc. In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral (r) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), President NIMA, while welcoming the guests, outlined the key themes of the topic. The guest of honour Captain. Naeem Sarfraz, emphasised the importance of inclusion of subject-matter experts in the policymaking hierarchy. He also advised to adopt cheap, safe and green inland water transportation system.

Renowned scholars Dr. Anjum Sarfraz, Dr. Hassan Daud and Dr. Maliha Zeba Khan set the stage for ensuing panel discussions. The panellist included renowned experts, i.e. Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, Dr. Shabana Fayyaz, Dr Salma Malik, Dr Faiz Hussain, Dr Khurram Iqbal, and Dr Usman Chohan.

They offered further insights into Pakistan's missing links of maritime vision, policy, strategy and its implementation plan. There is a need to interlace maritime diplomacy with global maritime industry. The participants also lauded the efforts of Pak Navy in expanding the scope of ‘Exercise Aman’ by introducing PIMEC initiative to integrate world maritime industry into the national economy. It was a concerted view that maritime trade generates economic activities, that eventually contributes to national power; therefore, its an established historical fact that trade sprouts the major powers’ status. The Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim HI(M), SJ & BA R S.Bt (r), appreciated the quality input by all experts. He suggested to the country’s economic policy-makers to shift the ‘Centre of Gravity’ of the economy from north to south.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, DG ISSI, in his closing remarks, emphasized the need for long-term all-inclusive strategic planning to address maritime challenges and realize the vast untapped potential in this domain. The event brought together experts from academia, diplomats, practitioners, think-tank experts, and students from various Universities.