KARACHI – Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi visitedFederation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Thursday.
The visit was aimed at creating synergy between the business community andthe maritime sector so as to give a boost to country’s economy.
Addressing the representatives of business community and members of FPCCI,the Naval Chief said that in any national security construct; economicsecurity occupies similar status as of military or foreign policy.
He further added that health of a nation’s economy is the single mostimportant determinant in its national security; hence, sustained militarycapacity can only be achieved through robust and strong national economies.While underlining the role of Navy, Chief of the Naval Staff highlightedthat the basic purpose of navies today is to protect the global economicsystem where their contribution is crucial.
Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi further added that Pakistan’s maritime zones,including continental shelf measuring an area of 290,285 sq km is blessedwith enormous sea resources. “However, we could not exploit them fully,till to date.” The Naval Chief reiterated that it is high time to enhancemaritime awareness at all levels to exploit the oceans for the benefit ofPakistan. “In this regard, Pakistan Navy is committed to revive Pakistan’smaritime sector and ready to render all possible support to the businesscommunity.”
He highlighted that there are many opportunities for business community toinvest in maritime sector, especially in shipping industry. The admiralsaid that Pakistan can increase its GDP by two to three times by developingmaritime sector. The Naval Chief emphasized that the FPCCI being the apexbody of business community in Pakistan can play significant role indevelopment of maritime sector.
FPCCI president Ghazanfar Bilour lauded the role and efforts of PakistanNavy in making Sea Lanes of Communication safe for trade. He acknowledgedthat this is the first ever visit by any Naval Chief to Federation ofPakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
FPCCI senior vice-president Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, Chairman Pakistan Ships’Agents Association M Rajpur, PIFFA president Badar Badat and FPCCIvice-president Tariq Haleem also spoke.