By Abbas Nazil
In a significant move to bolster its blue economy and combat climate risks, Pakistan has announced the establishment of a Maritime Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
The initiative, unveiled on Saturday by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, is designed to foster sustainable development in the country’s coastal and marine sectors while encouraging green innovation and resilience against environmental threats.
Speaking at the Pakistan Business Council Forum, Minister Chaudhry emphasized the urgent need to address climate vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s coastal zones, which are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and marine ecosystem degradation.
He described the chamber as a specialized platform that will bring together key players from across the maritime industry to collaborate on sustainable practices and long-term economic strategies.
The MCCI is expected to prioritize investment in environmentally friendly technologies, reduce carbon emissions at ports, and support policies that align with global sustainability goals.
By promoting greener port operations, cleaner logistics, and sustainable marine services, the chamber aims to help modernize the maritime sector and improve its economic and environmental resilience.
This move reflects Pakistan’s broader commitment to advancing its blue economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and ecosystem health.
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The government has been actively working to enhance the performance of its ports, fisheries, and marine industries, while also minimizing the environmental impact of these sectors.
According to officials, the chamber will also serve as a unified institutional voice for diverse maritime sectors, including shipping, coastal tourism, port management, and marine logistics.
This alignment is intended to create business incentives that also support climate adaptation and sustainability.
Pakistan has been making strides to modernize its maritime infrastructure through improved cargo handling, digitalization of port operations, and fostering public-private partnerships.
The MCCI is expected to complement these efforts by enabling coordinated action, regulatory reforms, and private sector engagement.
Furthermore, Pakistan continues to pursue its ambition of becoming a regional trade hub by inviting landlocked Central Asian countries to use its ports for global market access.
By offering modern, sustainable maritime services, Pakistan hopes to position itself as a key player in regional trade networks.
The Pakistan Business Council welcomed the launch of the Maritime Chamber, describing it as a critical step toward building a climate-resilient and economically robust maritime economy.
The chamber, they noted, will not only advance national maritime interests but also help align the sector with global environmental standards.
