Karachi is hosting the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 (PIMEC-25), a key event spotlighting global maritime trade and innovation. The inauguration on November 3 saw participation from 133 delegations representing 44 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran, China, the UK, Italy, Australia, and Egypt. The exhibition featured 178 exhibitors, including 28 international firms and 150 local organizations.
Distinguished attendees included Saudi Transport Minister Engineer Saleh Al-Jasser, Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
Minister Iqbal emphasized that PIMEC provides a dynamic platform for collaboration between government, industry, academia, and the global community. He highlighted opportunities in shipbuilding, logistics, marine biotechnology, and aquaculture, describing Pakistan’s seas as engines of growth and connectivity.
Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, Pakistan is pursuing the “Uran Pakistan” vision, aiming for a $1 trillion economy by 2035. The blue economy is identified as a transformative pillar capable of driving export-led growth through trade, energy, and innovation. Strategic initiatives include modernizing ports and creating smart, green logistics hubs.
Minister Iqbal underscored that 80% of global trade by volume and 70% by value is seaborne, with the global blue economy contributing over $2.5 trillion and supporting 350 million jobs. Pakistan, with more than 1,000 km of coastline, an exclusive economic zone of 290,000 square km, and vast offshore resources, is strategically positioned as a maritime bridge between East and West. However, its maritime sector contributes less than 1% to GDP, highlighting untapped potential.
Saudi Minister Saleh Al-Jasser reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international maritime cooperation, efficient transport, and sustainable logistics, praising the efforts of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in connecting continents through advanced maritime strategies.
Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abasi (COMKAR) highlighted PIMEC as a platform reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, maritime security, and unlocking the blue economy’s potential. Bilateral meetings on initiatives like the Karachi-Hyderabad bullet train and circular rail service also took place during the event.
Organized by the Pakistan Navy in partnership with Badar Expo and under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, PIMEC 2025 showcases innovations, maritime technologies, and sustainable solutions while fostering global investment, networking, and strategic dialogue. The event runs until November 6.
#PIMEC2025 #BlueEconomy #MaritimeTrade #PakistanMaritime #GlobalInvestment #Shipbuilding #PortDevelopment #MaritimeInnovation
