Analyzing the Blue Economy Potential of Pakistan’s Maritime Sector

Abstract

The maritime economy is an important contributor to the economies of the countries. Pakistan, with more than 1000 km of coast, has a huge repository of sea resources and is located on a very important trade route. Its geo-sectoral location provides easy and short sea access to China, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian Republics. However, the continuous neglect of the maritime sector has resulted in the depletion of the sector, which was once thriving at a rapid pace. The lack of awareness of the maritime economy, depleting infrastructure, untrained human resources, and lack of effective policies are the contributing factors that have prevented the full potential of this sector from being exploited so far. The development of ports, the shipping industry, fisheries, and coastal tourism are the areas that can significantly contribute to the GDP of the country and provide livelihood to people. There is a dire need for the government to pay full attention to this sector and start investing in this ignored area for its revival, ultimately enabling it to contribute significantly to the economic development of the country.