Islamabad : Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary General (SG) of International Maritime Organization (IMO), participated in the first day of International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition and Conference (IMSEC). Now he has left for Karachi to participated in second and third day of IMSEC. The day starts with the breakfast hosted by Minister for Maritime Affairs for SG IMO. Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to PM on Climate Change also participated in this breakfast. After breakfast, the Minister for Maritime Affairs, SG IMO, and coordinator to Climate Change addressed the joint presser in which both cabinet members warmly welcomed SG IMO, at this moment the SG IMO said he is looking forward to address the issues of Pakistan’s maritime industry in coordination with ministry of maritime affairs.
The conference formally started with the opening remarks of Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh. In which he said that as the global maritime industry moves towards decarbonization, we anticipate a significant increase in ship recycling activities. This monumental task requires the collaborative efforts of IMO member states and financial institutions; working together to ensure that ship recycling is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. He added that our maritime training institutions continue to uphold their reputation for excellence, producing highly skilled graduates who serve with distinction in international fleets. With approximately 25,000 qualified seafarers, Pakistan is listed on the IMO STCW white list, and with a youthful population exceeding 250 million, we are well-equipped to address the global shortage of maritime professionals.
After that, the secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez has extended all out cooperation to Pakistan for harnessing its maritime trade and ship recycling potential. He emphasized on the protection of maritime environment and ensuring a sustainable working of maritime sector. He said international maritime organization is not just about protecting the maritime environment but also aims at evolving such safety protocols which are necessary to continue the international maritime trade in a sustainable manner.
Lastly, the speech of chief guest Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives for modernizing the fisheries and shipbreaking sector with advanced technology and practices. He said Pakistan’s port sector offers significant investment opportunities with several terminals operated by international groups, and we are transforming our ports into centers of regional and international trade.