Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore joint initiatives in marine tourism, recognizing the vast potential of their coastlines and marine biodiversity to foster sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity.
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.
Harnessing Blue Economy Potential
Junaid Chaudhry emphasized the importance of marine industries, particularly fisheries and tourism, in sustaining livelihoods in developing nations. He noted that nearly three billion people depend on the ocean economy globally, with coastal and marine tourism generating 6.5 million jobs worldwide. The sector, he added, is expected to expand by 3.5 percent annually, becoming the largest value-added segment of the marine economy by 2030, contributing up to 26 percent of total output.
Pakistan, with its 1,000-kilometer coastline, is prioritizing the development of coastal and marine tourism through harbour cruises, recreational fishing, yachting, and maritime heritage tourism in areas such as Gwadar and Karachi, as part of efforts to diversify its blue economy.
Joint Marine Tourism Initiatives
The maritime affairs minister proposed several initiatives, including joint marine tourism routes, coastal tour packages, and enhanced ferry connectivity between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also suggested cultural exchange programs and coordinated marketing campaigns to promote shared marine and cultural heritage across the region.
Sri Lankan Minister Rathnayake welcomed the proposal, noting that Sri Lanka’s established marine tourism infrastructure could complement Pakistan’s emerging market. “This partnership could expand tourism flows, promote sustainable growth, and highlight our shared coastal assets,” he said.
He added that Sri Lanka recently launched its Marine Tourism Roadmap, which focuses on eco-friendly coastal tourism zones and upgraded infrastructure in Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Mannar, and Jaffna to strengthen the island’s coastal economy.
Strengthening Connectivity and Regional Growth
Chaudhry said increasing interest in organized tour packages from Pakistan to Sri Lanka underscores the need for stronger connectivity and integrated tourism synergies. He stressed that enhanced collaboration could unlock both countries’ coastal potential and create new opportunities for employment, marine conservation, and sustainable coastal development.
Both ministers agreed that promoting marine tourism cooperation would not only support their respective blue economies but also contribute to the broader goal of regional prosperity and environmental sustainability in South Asia.
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