President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promote 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 in Chinese city of Kunming, via a video message, the President stressed the need for collective action to harness the ocean's potential while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. The Forum was organized by the China International Development Cooperation Agency and focused on promoting collaboration among countries in the maritime sector. Asif Ali Zardari said 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 future world economic growth is 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, he pointed out Pakistan's efforts to enhance its blue economy. These include the formulation of the National Maritime Policy, initiatives focusing on sustainable fisheries and marine conservation, and the Living Indus Project, which aims to protect ecosystems and combat pollution. The President also 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.

He praised Pakistan's partnership with China, under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing its role in knowledge exchange, technological advancement and marine conservation. The President commended China's Global Development Initiative and CIDCA's efforts to embed sustainability in the Forum's goals. He expressed appreciation for the inclusion of capacity building and island nations in the Forum's agenda, saying that it aligned with Pakistan's vision of transnational collaboration and environmental stewardship. Expressing optimism about the Forum's outcomes, the President said he is sure that the Forum will pave the way for greater economic cooperation among member countries. He also called for collective efforts to protect marine resources and promote the blue economy for the benefit of future generations.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)