ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has said that the blue economy has the potential to play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic development if its vast maritime resources are fully utilised.
Addressing a meeting on the blue economy on Friday, the minister stressed that a coordinated approach across all relevant sectors is essential to unlock the true potential of Pakistan’s blue economy and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Despite having a coastline of more than 1,000 kilometres and extensive maritime zones, Pakistan has so far failed to exploit its full potential. He said the contribution of the blue economy to Pakistan’s GDP currently stands at only one percent, which is far below its actual capacity.
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Ahsan Iqbal said that Gwadar and Karachi ports are being developed as key hubs to strengthen trade linkages with Central Asia, adding that Gwadar is being positioned as a long-term economic platform for the country. He emphasized that the maritime sector should not be limited to fishing alone, but must also focus on processing, value addition, branding, and marketing.
The Minister for Planning pointed out that several countries have successfully transformed their maritime resources into a major pillar of economic growth, and Pakistan must follow a similar path. He said the coastal and maritime areas of Balochistan could play a decisive role in strengthening the national economy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026