Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari attended National Security and War Course 2023, as a speaker, at National Defence University Islamabad. The Minister delivered a brief presentation on the subject – “Maritime Economy” and answered questions of the course participants. On the Occasion, Minister for Maritime Affairs was welcomed by Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood, HI (M), President National Defence University and was requested to address the participants on Maritime Economy of Pakistan. While addressing to the audience, Minister highlighted the role and functions, organizational structure, ports operations, goals and major challenges faced by the Maritime Ministry. He stated that Maritime sector is both financially and techno intensive and needs significant capital for building, operating and making it economically profitable for the country. He explained the concept of Blue Economy as the sustainable use of ocean resources that helps increasing economic growth by efficient and sustainable use of oceanic space as opportunities for development, new energy avenues, improving biodiversity conservation, climate change adaption and enhancing food security. He further apprised the audience that the need for a more considered approach to sustainable management and conservation of our oceans and coastlines has grown considerably since the past few years. The Government of Pakistan is keenly focused on Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. The Minister highlighted the important role of Ports and their contribution to the National Economy of Pakistan and stated that one-third of the tax collection of the country is being done through ports. He further highlighted the importance of Gwadar Port and stated that in line of the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, special focus is being given to the sustainable development of Gwadar for the overall progress of the Province of Balochistan. Minister also spoke on the areas including; Fisheries, Aquaculture, Ship-breaking, Trans-shipment, Coastal tourism and Marine pollution and enlightened the participants on the recent initiatives taken by the government on these sectors. By the end of the session, the Minister attended to a detailed Question/Answer session from the course participants including both national and international military and civil services officers.
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