Maritime Minister Stresses Sustainable Growth, Marine Ecosystem Conservation
Islamabad, Aug 20: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhary has stressed that economic development in the maritime sector must go hand in hand with environmental protection, particularly the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
He was chairing a meeting to review the performance, progress and achievements of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and its attached departments.
The meeting was informed about a $3 million Global Environment Facility (GEF)-supported project for the protection of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
The initiative focuses on biodiversity conservation and promoting environmentally sustainable fishing practices, the minister said.
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He said work was also under way on the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, aimed at unlocking the sector’s potential to generate up to $10 billion through appropriate policies.
Turning to regional connectivity Junaid Chaudhary highlighted the development of a 100-acre off-dock terminal at Gwadar Port, saying it would facilitate trade with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) and strengthen regional logistics links.
