Pakistan, Sri Lanka chart new course for blue economy growth

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore joint cooperation in marine tourism, recognising the vast potential of their coastlines and rich marine biodiversity to strengthen sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry proposed enhanced collaboration in marine tourism during a meeting with Sri Lankan Minister for Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Niroshan Rathnayake. Junaid Anwar highlighted that marine industries, including fisheries and tourism, play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, particularly in developing nations. "The economic wellbeing of nearly three billion people depends on the ocean economy, most of whom live in developing regions," he said.