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Gwadar’s Growing Maritime Role Gwadar is emerging as a key maritime and economic hub in Pakistan. At the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025), the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) highlighted the port city’s strategic importance and potential within the Blue Economy. The GDA showcased ongoing infrastructure, logistics, and coastal sustainability projects under the Smart Port City Master Plan 2050. Moreover, the city is attracting investors interested in fisheries, renewable energy, tourism, and trade. PIMEC 2025: Showcasing Blue Economy Potential Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated PIMEC 2025 at the Karachi Expo Centre. Organized by the Pakistan Navy, the four-day event runs until November 6. It brings together participants from over 44 countries to encourage investment, innovation, and international collaboration. GDA’s delegation, led by Deputy Director Town Planning Abdul Razaq with Nasir Raja and Engineer Nazia Baloch, drew significant interest. Visitors praised the city’s rapid development and the opportunities it offers in Pakistan’s growing maritime sector. Minister Ahsan Iqbal Outlines URAAN Vision During the inauguration, Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s 1,000-kilometer coastline and its 290,000-square-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He noted that the maritime sector currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. However, he emphasized that with proper planning, it could become a major driver of economic growth. Iqbal also introduced the URAAN Pakistan initiative, aiming to build a USD 1 trillion economy by 2035. The Blue Economy is a key pillar in this plan. The initiative follows the Five Es framework Exports, E-Pakistan, Equity & Empowerment, Environment, and Energy & Infrastructure—to drive sustainable and inclusive development. Global Participation and Saudi Support Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Aljasser, attended PIMEC 2025. Additionally, he reaffirmed strong Pakistan–Saudi relations and cooperation in maritime trade and logistics. The conference features business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings. The International Maritime Conference, organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), is themed “Harnessing Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Development.” Experts are discussing strategies for responsible resource use, maritime innovation, and regional cooperation. Path Towards Sustainable Maritime Growth Minister Iqbal also announced plans to modernize Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar into smart, green logistics hubs. He praised the Pakistan Navy and Ministry of Maritime Affairs for organizing PIMEC 2025. As a result, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in global maritime trade and the Blue Economy of the 21st century. The GDA pavilion and presentations at PIMEC underline Gwadar’s potential as a hub for investment, sustainable infrastructure, and regional trade. The city is steadily emerging as a modern port that combines innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.
