Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco has extended all out cooperation to Pakistan for harnessing its maritime trade and ship recycling potential.     

He was addressing 'International Maritime Business and Finance Conference' in Islamabad on Thursday.                                  

The Secretary General emphasized measures for protecting maritime environment and ensuring a sustainable working of maritime sector.       

He said international maritime organization is not just about protecting the maritime environment but also aims at evolving such safety protocols which are necessary to continue the international maritime trade in a sustainable manner.                                                          

The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization is on a three-day visit to Pakistan during which he will also attend an International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition in Karachi.                     

This is the first ever visit to Pakistan by a Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization. The visit will afford an opportunity for Pakistan and the Organization to enhance collaboration in maritime sector and blue economy.

Addressing the conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to environmental sustainability, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.                  

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives for modernizing the fisheries and shipbreaking sector with advanced technology and practices.          

He said Pakistan's port sector offers significant investment opportunities with several terminals operated by international groups. He said we are transforming our ports into centers of regional and international trade.

Earlier, in his welcome note, Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said Pakistan fully complies with the regulations of International Maritime Organization.

He said measures to deal with climate change must be adopted in every sector.

Qaiser Sheikh said Pakistan is ensuring the protection of marine biodiversity in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.                                                                

The Minister said Pakistan is ready to work with global organizations to promote ship making, ship recycling and blue economy.