Pakistan, Sri Lanka to collaborate on blue economy Growth

October 29, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore joint initiatives in marine and coastal tourism to boost the blue economy, create jobs, and strengthen regional connectivity through sustainable ocean-based development.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sri Lankan Minister for Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Niroshan Rathnayake, who called on him in Islamabad.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry emphasized that the blue economy holds vast potential for both countries, noting that nearly 3 billion people globally depend on ocean-related industries.

Coastal and marine tourism expected to become the largest value-added segment of the marine economy by 2030.

He highlighted Pakistan’s 1,000-kilometer coastline as a key economic asset, adding that the government is actively promoting harbour cruises, recreational fishing, yachting, and maritime heritage tourism in areas such as Gwadar and Karachi to diversify the country’s economic base.

Proposing enhanced cooperation, the minister suggested joint marine tourism routes or packages connecting popular coastal destinations in both countries, alongside ferry services, cultural exchanges, and coordinated marketing efforts.

Sri Lankan Minister Rathnayake welcomed the proposal, noting that Sri Lanka’s Marine Tourism Roadmap aims to strengthen its coastal economy through eco-friendly tourism zones and upgraded infrastructure in regions like Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Mannar, and Jaffna.

He said the partnership could expand regional visitor traffic and highlight the shared marine and cultural heritage of both nations.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry added that increasing interest in organized tour packages from Pakistan to Sri Lanka underscored the need for improved connectivity and tourism synergies.

Both ministers agreed that closer collaboration in marine tourism could generate employment, promote conservation, and foster sustainable coastal development, marking a new chapter in Pakistan–Sri Lanka blue economy cooperation.

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