Balochistan’s Blue Economy Holds Trillion-Dollar Potential, Says BBOIT Vice Chairman Bilal Khan Kakar
Independent Report
Karachi, November 6:
Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBOIT), Bilal Khan Kakar, has highlighted that the sustainable utilization of Balochistan’s marine resources is vital for achieving long-term economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and protecting the province’s marine ecosystems.
He noted that globally, the blue economy is valued at approximately US$2.5 trillion annually, encompassing critical sectors such as fisheries, shipping, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) in Karachi, Kakar stated that the blue economy is not a conceptual idea for Pakistan but an urgent national opportunity. With a coastline extending nearly 1,000 kilometers, Pakistan holds a unique geographic position to become a key player in the regional maritime economy. However, he emphasized that effective coordination among federal and provincial stakeholders is essential to convert this vast potential into tangible progress.
He further added that Balochistan’s coastal belt and deep-sea ports place the province at the crossroads of geography and opportunity. While advancing infrastructure and connectivity, he underlined that marine ecosystem preservation must remain a top priority. “Policies on sustainable fishing, mangrove restoration, and pollution control should form the foundation of our national maritime strategy,” he asserted.
Bilal Khan Kakar also stressed the need for inclusive development, ensuring that coastal communities and fishermen are economically empowered through vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and employment opportunities.
“The blue economy should not remain an elitist idea confined to policy documents—it must evolve into a people-centered economic model that uplifts local livelihoods while promoting sustainability,” he concluded.
