Blue Economy in Pakistan, Potential, Challenges and Policy Framework

Abstract

The significant strategic maritime position of Pakistan at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea with a 1050 km coastline of Sindh and Balochistan, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 240000 sq.km and extended continental shelf area are significant factors and resources for increasing Pakistan's contribution in the field of blue economy. This maritime blessing, however, has made Pakistan's ocean-based industries a very small and yet untapped, as of now it accounts for 0.4% of GDP, when compared to other developing countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh and India, which have been more proactive in developing their Blue Economy. The paper discuss the existing potential, challenges and opportunities in the sector of oceanic economy for future national development. This study also presents an OCEAN framework, policy recommendations and initiatives to implement OCEAN framework which will work as practical instrument and tool to realize the potential of Pakistan's Blue Economy into the real economic benefits.

The current study explores and critically assesses the existing situation of the blue economy in Pakistan in terms of its economic potential, institutional and policy gaps, infrastructural limitations, technological gaps, and opportunities for sustainable maritime development. It also examines the disparity between the potential of Pakistan's vast ocean resources and their under-utilization in productive economic activities, jobs creation, investments, and national income. The proposed OCEAN framework creates a clear path to reinforce ocean governance, investment, maritime infrastructure, innovation and technology, human capital and capacity-building, and partnership-building between government, private sector, academia, coastal communities and international partners. The study also highlights the essential policy measures and tools needed for the successful application of the OCEAN Framework. The results offer a policy-related blueprint to realize the potential of Pakistan's coastal areas and better include the blue economy in the national development planning and long-term economic growth of the country.