ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday described the blue economy as a “game changer” for the country’s long-term growth, saying it has the potential to transform Pakistan’s economic landscape by unlocking new investment and trade opportunities.
Speaking virtually at the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 (PIMEC-25) in Karachi, Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s maritime potential remains largely untapped, but the government is committed to developing it into a key driver of sustainable growth.
“The blue economy is going to be transformational for Pakistan,” he said. “We are hovering at about 0.4% to 0.5% of the national gross domestic product — roughly $1 billion," but our "real potential" stands at $3 trillion.
He praised the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for setting an ambitious but achievable goal of developing a $100 billion blue economy by 2047, calling it “transformational and the right ambition.”
Aurangzeb outlined several pillars to reach that target, including excellence in fisheries and aquaculture, modernization of ports and logistics, digitalization of port operations, and investments in renewable energy through innovative financing mechanisms such as blue bonds and blended finance.
He said Pakistan’s seafood exports currently stand at $500 million but could reach $2 billion over the next three to four years with the right policies and infrastructure. “This is a very achievable milestone,” he added.
The finance minister emphasized that consistent policies and investor confidence are critical to realizing Pakistan’s maritime potential. “As finance minister, I would like to assure you that we will ensure policy consistency,” he said. “Whatever we commit, we will see it through the cycle.”
Aurangzeb said marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, and regional collaboration could further boost the sector, making it an integral part of Pakistan’s national economic transformation agenda.
While noting that Pakistan’s broader economy was in a “good spot” due to macroeconomic stability and favorable geopolitical conditions, he said sustainable development of the blue economy would play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
He concluded his remarks by commending the efforts of all stakeholders participating in PIMEC-25 and urged them to continue fostering partnerships that promote conservation, innovation, and inclusive growth in the maritime sector.
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