President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to regional marine cooperation.

Islamabad, Pakistan— President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing regional marine cooperation and ensuring peace, progress, and sustainability in the Indian Ocean region. His remarks were delivered via a video message during the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Cooperation, held in Kunming, China, from December 14 to 16.

In his address, President Zardari emphasised the need for collective action to address critical issues such as climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation while harnessing the immense economic potential of the ocean. “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,” he stated.

The forum, organised by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), focused on fostering collaboration among countries in the maritime sector, with an emphasis on the blue economy. The president underscored the importance of the Indian Ocean as a shared lifeline, offering significant opportunities for economic growth.

Highlighting Pakistan’s proactive efforts in this regard, Zardari outlined key initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s blue economy. These include the formulation of Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy, sustainable fisheries initiatives, marine conservation projects, and the Living Indus Project, which seeks to protect ecosystems and tackle pollution.

The development of Gwadar Port, a critical component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), was also highlighted as a key driver of regional connectivity and maritime economic growth. Zardari reiterated that Gwadar is being transformed into a hub for regional trade and economic integration.

The president also praised Pakistan’s strong partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasising its role in knowledge exchange, technological advancement, and marine conservation. He commended China’s Global Development Initiative and CIDCA’s efforts to ensure sustainability within the forum’s goals, noting the inclusion of capacity building and island nations in the discussions.

Expressing optimism about the outcomes of the forum, President Zardari concluded, “I am sure that this forum will pave the way for greater economic cooperation among member countries.” He called for collective efforts to safeguard marine resources and promote the blue economy for the benefit of future generations.