Maritime trade plays pivotal role in today's globalized world: Naval Chief
The Naval Chief reiterates Pakistan Navy pledges full support towards development of maritime sector
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has emphasized that the prosperity of many countries is closely related to the seaborne trade.
In his message on World Maritime Day, he said that Pakistan it is committed to world peace, and would work with deep commitment for maritime security for trade and peace in the world.
He said that in today s globalized world, maritime trade plays a pivotal role as it supports, transforms and connects societies worldwide. Scope and scale of maritime trade, which accounts for around 80 percent of global trade by volume and 70 percent by value, is testimony to the same.
The Naval Chief went on to say that the dependence on the free passage of goods through oceans holds the key for trade oriented economic structure. The economic opportunity for international trade, much of which is transported via the maritime mode has given a new emphasis to interconnectivity of oceans resulting in emergence of concepts of global commons and trade liberalization over the past few decades.
Consequently, maritime trade through the oceans has increased and shipping industry has become pivotal to sustain these global demands.
For Pakistan, maritime trade is the back bone of our economy as over 95 percent of our international trade is transported through seas. With the renewed impetus on maritime sector through CPEC and Gwadar Port, the maritime trade of Pakistan will increase manifold as the corridor is destined to provide regional connectivity. While we realize the significance of maritime trade for our country, our reliance on international shipping and huge spending of foreign exchange on freight charges is indicative of dire need to reinvigorate our shipping industry.
The Naval Chief reiterated that Pakistan Navy pledges its full support towards development of maritime sector in general and shipping sector in particular. We believe it will be a step towards attaining self sufficiency, sustainable economic growth and will facilitate international trade. There is a need of profound and cumulative efforts by all stakeholders to achieve sustainable development through Blue Economy.
Pakistan Navy is cognizant of its obligations of providing safe and secure maritime environment. It also supports the sustainable development of Pakistan’s maritime economy through effective implementation of all national and international commitments. Pakistan Navy remains committed to protecting our national maritime interests and resolved to continue its efforts towards development of the maritime sector to help realize Pakistan’s true maritime potential.
To celebrate the World Maritime Day, Pakistan Navy planned wide range of activities to acquaint the masses of its significance, raise maritime awareness and highlight Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards sustainable development of Pakistan’s maritime sector. In this regard, Pakistan Navy has arranged numerous activities including seminar at Institute of Maritime Affairs, essay writing competition, talk shows, lectures, various events in PN administered Schools and Colleges and maritime gala at Pakistan Maritime Museum, where various organizations set up their stalls.
A Pakistan Navy ship was also opened for students of various schools where they were briefed about importance of country’s maritime sector and Pakistan Navy’s role in defence of maritime frontiers of Pakistan. Harbour and beach cleaning activities were also held at Karachi and Coastal Areas of Balochastan.
World Maritime Day is celebrated each year to signify the contributions of International Maritime Industry in World’s economy and to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and marine environment. IMO has adopted “Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future” as theme for this year.
