CPEC Security: International Maritime Conference on Gwadar Port
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KARACHI: (APP) The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sardar Sanaullah Khan Zehri on Tuesday inaugurated the International Maritime Conference (IMC), hosted by Pakistan Navy (PN) in coordination with Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform and Parliamentary Committee on CPEC, at Gwadar.
The conference under the theme "CPEC & Gwadar Port as Harbinger of Regional Integration and Maritime Economic Development" is aimed at examining the politico-strategic, maritime economic and security dimensions of the CPEC project and the challenges and opportunities arising in the economic domain from its implementation, a press release issued by PN said here.
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During the inaugural address, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah highlighted the significance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for economic progress of Pakistan.
He said that the Indian Ocean has emerged as a critical maritime space which evokes the greatest interest worldwide. Its importance stems from vitality of its choke points and sea trade.
Therefore, Maritime Security in the region is of prime importance and Pakistan Navy has been playing an active role for ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment. CPEC with the potential to set off economic connectivity and growth on a broader geographic canvas will reinforce this need.
He further stated that Pakistan Navy has formulated robust employment and development strategies to safeguard national maritime interests.
Pakistan Navy is being strengthened and continues to receive government patronage as necessitated in the emerging scenario.
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The realization of full potential offered by CPEC will Insha Allah contribute towards making Pakistan prosperous and stronger.
Later, in her address, Chinese vice minister Dr. Zhao Baige said that CPEC is the link between this region and rest of the world and Gwadar port is the materialization of the dream of "one belt one road".
Dr Zhao added that we recognize and appreciate the role of Pakistan Navy in stability and security of this project, which is embedded with huge dividends of prosperity for this region.
Sanaullah Zehri, Chief Minister of Balochistan and the Chief Guest of inaugural session of the Conference, said that CPEC is one of the most important initiative of China and Pakistan in the history of our country.
He said that geographical position of Pakistan and natural deep sea port of Gwadar are the great blessings of the nature. The CM ensured the foreign investors of the conducive and secure environment for business to reap benefits out of this CPEC related project as well.
Minister of Ports and Shipping, Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo was the chief guest of the last session of the day. The theme of this session was "CPEC and socio-economic development".
During this session, different papers were presented by renowned national and international speakers.
The sessions were also attended by Federal and Provincial Ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs, Chinese Ambassador, Foreign delegates, local dignitaries, Government Officials, experts of maritime sector and notables of civil society.
Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar graced the second session of the conference as chief guest, whereas Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director Pakistan China Institute (PCI) chaired the conference as Moderator.
The session started with the keynote address by Mr Sun Weidong, Ambassador of China.
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The theme of the second session was "CPEC - Potentials and Dynamics of Blue Economy". Prof. Li Xiguang (Tsinghua University, China) presented his paper on "CPEC: The Dynamics of Regional Economic Development and Beyond".
Rear Admiral (Retd) Pervaiz Asghar spoke on "CPEC: Maritime Economics Opportunities for Pakistan".
Kamran Nisar (CEO JS Global) presented his paper on "CPEC: Economic Development through Maritime Connectivity for the Region and beyond".
In the last paper of the day Prof. Anatol Lieven (Georgetown University Qatar) deliberation on the topic, "CPEC: Harbinger of Regional Socio-Economic Cooperation."
The Chief Minister of Balochistan was the chief guest for the third session whereas Zhang Baozhong (Chairman COPHC) chaired the conference as Moderator.
Minister of Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo started the session with the keynote address.
The other speakers of this session included Tan Sri Rastam Muhammad Isa (President ISIS Malaysia), Dr Sajjad Baloch (Director General GDA), Alireza Bikdeli (IPIS Iran) and Jahanzeb Khan (Addl Chief Secy Energy & Planning).
The events were attended by the Governor and Chief Minister Balochistan, Federal and Provincial Ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Service Chiefs, Foreign Ambassadors/delegates, local dignitaries, Government Officials, experts of maritime sector and notables of civil society.
