On October 21, 2024, the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) Islamabad in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organized 2nd seminar of the series on Blue Economy, subtitled “Challenges to Maritime Trade,” It was centered around regional connectivity initiatives including BRI, global and regional security imparities, latest technological, and climate stimuli, etc.
In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), President NIMA, while welcoming the guests, outlined the key themes of the topic. The Guest of Honor Captain. Naeem Sarfraz emphasized on inclusion of subject matter experts in the policy-making hierarchy. He also advised adopting a cheap, safe, and green inland water transportation system.
Renowned scholars Dr. Anjum Sarfraz, Dr. Hassan Daud, and Dr. Maliha Zeba Khan set the stage for ensuing panel discussions. The panelists included renowned experts i.e., Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, Dr. Shabana Fayyaz, Dr. Salma Malik, Dr. Faiz Hussain, Dr. Khurram Iqbal, and Dr. Usman Chohan. They offered further insights into Pakistan’s missing links of maritime vision, policy, strategy, and implementation plan. There is a need to interlace maritime diplomacy with the global maritime industry.
The participants also lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Navy in expanding the scope of “Exercise Aman” by introducing the PIMEC initiative to integrate the world maritime industry into our national economy. It was a concerted view that maritime trade generates economic activities, that eventually contribute to national power; therefore, it is an established historical fact that trade sprouts the great powers’ status.
The Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim HI(M), SJ and BA R S.Bt (Retd), appreciated the quality input by all experts. He suggested to the country’s economic policymakers to shift the “center of gravity” of our economy from north to south.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, DG ISSI, in his closing remarks, emphasized the need for long-term all-inclusive strategic planning to address maritime challenges. The event brought together experts from academia, diplomats, policymakers, and students from various universities and think tanks.
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NIMA is a premier maritime-related think tank of Pakistan, which undertakes analysis and evaluation of National and International Maritime issues and policies in order to recommend solutions to advance the maritime interest of the country. NIMA is also focusing on spreading awareness about the importance of the maritime sector.