Shift in global thinking required to develop blue economy, says Arif Alvi

Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi speaks at the 9th International Maritime Conference (IMC-21) in Karachi, Pakistan on February 13, 2021. (Photo courtesy: @PresOfPakistan/Twitter)

• President Arif Alvi advocates responsible use of ocean resources while addressing an international maritime conference in Karachi
• The conference is part of a multinational exercise arranged by the Pakistan Navy to help foster a shared vision in the Indian Ocean region

KARACHI: President Arif Alvi urged the international community on Saturday to adopt a more responsible attitude toward oceans to ensure the development of blue economy.
“For blue economy to thrive, the world needs to bring an end to irresponsible exploitation of oceans,” he said while pointing out that this would require a serious shift in global thinking.
Alvi made the statement after inaugurating a three-day international maritime conference in Karachi. The event took place at a time when Pakistan has arranged a multinational naval drill to help foster a shared vision in the Indian Ocean region.
The Pakistan Navy has been organizing the AMAN exercises every two years since 2007. This year, 45 countries, including Saudi Arabia, are participating in the drill that is designed to enhance their interoperability in a diverse maritime environment.
“Pakistan besides defending its maritime borders will adopt a responsible strategy on blue economy for sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit mankind,” Alvi said.
He noted that about 90 percent of fish stock depletion in the coastal areas of his country was not recoverable, adding that the same thing was also true for the rest of the world.
The president also maintained that Pakistan had moved away from a geo-strategic to geo-economic vision, saying that it wanted to offer shortest trade routes to China and Central Asian countries.
Analysts around the world describe the Indian Ocean as a highly strategic region. Many of them say its waters are rich in oil and mineral resources while recognizing its immense significance for global maritime trade.
Pakistan has developed the Gwadar deep-sea port in collaboration with China to raise its strategic profile in the region. Its officials have frequently maintained that the government is striving for greater regional connectivity and development partnerships which would also require a viable Indian Ocean strategy.
The international maritime conference, “Development of Blue Economy under a Secure and Sustainable Environment: A Shared Future for Western Indian Ocean Region,” was attended by Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, President Azad Kashmir Masood Khan and others who also spoke on the occasion.