3rd China-Indian Ocean Forum: Pakistan underlines Gwadar development under CPEC

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional marine cooperation and ensuring peace, progress, and sustainability in the Indian Ocean region.

Addressing the 3rd China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Cooperation held from December 14 to 16 in Kunming, China, via a video message, the President underscored the development of Gwadar Port under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is being transformed into a regional connectivity hub to drive trade and maritime economic growth.

The Forum in Kunming, China, was organised by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) which focused on promoting collaboration among countries in the maritime sector.

The President praised Pakistan’s partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasising its role in knowledge exchange, technological advancement, and marine conservation.

The President stressed the need for collective action to harness the ocean’s potential while addressing the challenges of climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. “Pakistan stands ready to partner with all stakeholders to promote marine cooperation and ensure that our region remains a bastion of peace, progress, and sustainability,” the President said.

The President said that the future economic growth was going to be driven by the East due to its large population resources. Highlighting the importance of the ocean as a shared lifeline and a source of immense economic opportunities, President Asif Zardari pointed out Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its blue economy, including the National Maritime Policy, initiatives on sustainable fisheries and marine conservation, and the Living Indus Project, to protect ecosystems and combat pollution.

The President commended China’s Global Development Initiative and CIDCA’s efforts to embed sustainability in the Forum’s goals. He expressed appreciation for capacity building and island nations in the Forum’s agenda, saying that it is aligned with Pakistan’s vision of transnational collaboration and environmental stewardship.

About the Forum’s outcomes, the President said, “I am sure that this Forum will pave the way for greater economic cooperation among member countries.” He called for collective efforts to protect marine resources and promote the blue economy for future generations. The 3rd China-Indian Ocean Region Forum seeks to unite leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore maritime collaboration and sustainable development.