KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP): China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is rightfully considered as a game changer not only for Pakistan but for the economic development and prosperity of the entire region.
This was stated by Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad
Asif, at the closing ceremony of 7th International Maritime Conference
organized by National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR).
The International Maritime Conference, held in tandem with
Multinational Exercise AMAN 17, concluded after three days of
deliberations on maritime security, economy and marine environment.
The minister said that a large number of public and private sector
participants from Pakistan and around the world created an ideal opportunity for the exchange of ideas, a PN statement issued here on Monday said.
While addressing the audience, the chief guest Khawaja Muhammad
Asif stated that the Indian Ocean has emerged as a key arena of
geopolitics as strategic interests of the world are routed in this
region.
The overwhelming reliance on the sea routes and increasing volume
of global sea borne trade has enhanced the importance of Indian ocean
region for the world community.
He further said that with the operationalization of CPEC and
Gwadar Port, maritime activities would increase exponentially in North
Arabian Sea and beyond. Consequently, the responsibilities of Pakistan
Navy would also increase for maintaining a secure maritime environment
for smooth flow of sea trade.
He acknowledged the maritime security initiatives taken by
Pakistan Navy for ensuring peace and order at sea individually and in
collaboration with the partner navies.
He also appreciated convening of the conference which is a step
in the same direction and is indeed praiseworthy.
The Minister assured that the recommendations of the conference
will be given due consideration by the government and all possible
efforts will be made for their pursuance.
Earlier, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in
his closing remarks said that the initiatives of developing economic
corridors and linking to maritime routes have provided impetus for
economic integration of the regional countries and beyond.
He further said that CPEC is one such development in the region
and with the operationalization of CPEC and Gwadar port the scope and
potential of blue economy will increase further.
The Admiral also said that Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean
Region has gained particular significance in the recent past due to
increased dependence of the world on sea borne trade and quest for
energy resources. Any disruption in the free flow of trade would not
only impact the regional states but also have implications for the
overall global economy.
At the end, the Defence Minister also congratulated and
distributed prizes among the students of Bahria University and
NCMPR,who won the article and poster competitions held on the
sidelines of the Conference.
A large number of foreign delegates, PN officials, civil and
military dignitaries attended the Conference.
APP/amk-rak/msk
