Islamabad: Pakistan is set to develop a comprehensive Blue Economy Policy aimed at unlocking the vast potential of its maritime sector, with an ambitious target of generating over USD 100 billion annually, up from the current estimated contribution of just USD 1 billion.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to accelerate the policy formulation process. He emphasized that the blue economy is no longer a concept for the future but a national priority that must be addressed urgently.
The new policy framework will focus on the sustainable use of ocean and marine resources to foster economic growth, improve livelihoods, create jobs, and ensure environmental sustainability. The minister stated that the initiative will involve consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including ministries, provincial governments, industry experts, and academic institutions, to ensure that the resulting policy is inclusive, practical, and future-focused.
Currently, Pakistan’s blue economy contributes only around 0.4% of the national GDP, generating approximately USD 1 billion annually, primarily through fisheries, coastal tourism, and maritime trade. Seafood exports alone contribute about USD 450 million, while maritime tourism adds an estimated USD 300 million each year.
Minister Chaudhry outlined a range of untapped opportunities, projecting potential annual revenues of:
USD 8–10 billion from shipping
USD 7–8 billion from fisheries
USD 10 billion from aquaculture
USD 5–6 billion from maritime tourism
He also pointed to additional income streams such as renewable ocean energy, ship recycling, and the transformation of traditional ports into eco-friendly “green ports.”
The global blue economy is valued at approximately USD 1.5 trillion annually, spanning sectors like shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and tourism. The minister noted that Pakistan’s share remains significantly smaller than its regional peers, making it essential to prioritize structured development in this area.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs plans to finalize the policy in the coming months, positioning Pakistan to better harness its coastal and marine assets for economic transformation.
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