Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the blue economy can be a game changer for Pakistan’s long-term growth, outlining its potential to expand to USD 100 billion by 2047. Speaking as Chief Guest in a virtual address at the inaugural session of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo & Conference organised by the Pakistan Navy and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy continuity and investment facilitation for sustainable maritime development.
Senator Aurangzeb praised organisers for presenting a world-class forum on maritime opportunities and stressed that the blue economy should become a central pillar of Pakistan’s future economic strategy. He noted that the maritime sector currently contributes just 0.5 percent of GDP, roughly USD 1 billion, but said that focused reforms and investment could rapidly unlock greater value from ports, fisheries and aquaculture.
Highlighting recent macroeconomic improvements, the minister pointed to foreign exchange reserves above USD 14 billion, a stable exchange rate and single-digit inflation despite temporary shocks. He added that all three major global rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan’s outlook to stable after nearly three years, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s reform agenda.
Referring to a recent staff-level agreement with the IMF, Senator Aurangzeb said the arrangement strengthens global trust and positions Pakistan to deepen trade and investment ties. He urged a shift from government-to-government engagements toward expanded private-sector flows with partners including China, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, emphasising the role of private investment in scaling the blue economy.
The minister endorsed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ roadmap to build a USD 100 billion blue economy by Pakistan’s centenary in 2047 and highlighted priority areas such as modernising ports, boosting fisheries and aquaculture exports, and developing renewable energy and conservation initiatives. He specifically encouraged exploring innovative financing tools, including blue bonds, to support conservation projects and clean energy investments along the coastline.
Senator Aurangzeb compared the transformative potential of the blue economy to sectors like artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and minerals, expressing confidence that PIMEC will generate practical ideas to advance maritime growth, attract investment and create sustainable jobs across coastal communities.
