On 28 January 2025, Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, and Dr. Kanwar M. Javed Iqbal, Senior Policy Specialist at FAO, met with Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd), President of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), to discuss key developments in Pakistan’s maritime sector.
The meeting focused on sustainable marine fisheries and aquaculture management, recognizing their crucial role in food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. Discussions emphasized the need for improved governance, scientific research, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the resilience of Pakistan’s fisheries sector. Both FAO and NIMA explored potential areas of collaboration, including policy development, data sharing, sustainable resource management, and training programs for local stakeholders.
Given Pakistan’s extensive coastline and its reliance on marine resources, both organizations acknowledged the importance of adopting sustainable practices to address challenges such as overfishing, climate change, and marine biodiversity conservation. FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in enhancing the blue economy, aligning with national and international sustainability goals.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a ceremonial exchange of souvenirs as a token of appreciation and goodwill.