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KARACHI: The Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 (PIMEC-25) concluded in Karachi on Thursday, wrapping up four days of strategic dialogue, commercial collaboration and international engagement aimed at advancing Pakistan’s maritime potential and blue economy vision. Organized under the auspices of the Pakistan Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the second edition of PIMEC drew significant local and international participation, underscoring Pakistan’s growing prominence in the regional maritime landscape. The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, the minister announced the establishment of Pakistan’s first Green Ship Repair and Recycling Yard at Port Qasim, terming it a major step toward sustainable maritime development. Outlining the government’s long-term maritime strategy — described as Pakistan’s “Maritime Century (2047–2147)” — he said the vision rests on five pillars: the development of three new deep-sea ports, expansion of the national shipping fleet, creation of AI-enabled maritime industrial complexes, achievement of 100 percent green and digital ports, and leadership in regional maritime cooperation. Ahsan opens PIMEC, calls for promoting blue economy Earlier, Commander Karachi, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, thanked the visiting delegates, industry experts, scholars, and exhibitors for their active participation throughout the event. He said PIMEC has evolved into an ideal platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas that can drive the country’s maritime industry toward a prosperous and sustainable future. The Commander also lauded the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) for successfully hosting the International Maritime Conference (IMC) under the theme “Harnessing Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Development.” This year’s PIMEC marked a major milestone in the country’s maritime outreach, with 83 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between national and international exhibitors, representing an investment commitment of Rs76 billion across multiple maritime sectors. Officials said the agreements signal Pakistan’s readiness to foster strategic partnerships, encourage technology transfer, and promote capacity-building within the maritime domain. The event witnessed participation from 178 exhibitors, including 28 international firms and 150 local organizations, alongside 133 international delegations from 44 countries spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Exhibitors showcased innovations in shipbuilding, logistics, renewable energy, and port technologies, highlighting global interest in Pakistan’s maritime ecosystem. The successful conclusion of PIMEC-25 reaffirmed Pakistan’s ambition to emerge as a regional maritime hub and demonstrated growing investor confidence in the country’s Blue Economy potential. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
