Pakistan-China Marine Cooperation Expands in South Asia

Pakistan China Marine Cooperation is set to expand as Pakistan seeks stronger scientific partnerships with China and neighbouring South Asian countries in ocean research, climate monitoring, marine conservation and blue-economy development.

The latest push for stronger Pakistan-China marine cooperation followed the participation of Pakistani scientists and officials at the China–South Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum in Qingdao, Shandong province. The event, held around Sep 29, brought together more than 100 delegates from China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and other regional partners and culminated in the adoption of the China–South Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Initiative.

Pakistan China Marine Cooperation Focuses on Ocean Research

Delegates focused discussions on three key areas supporting stronger regional ocean collaboration:

• Ocean and climate observation, forecasting, disaster prevention and mitigation;
• Marine ecological protection and restoration;
• Integrated ocean management, the blue economy and sustainable development.

Pakistani experts contributed across these areas. Engr Naimatullah Sohoo, director general of Pakistan’s National Institute of Oceanography, outlined the country’s strategies for ocean conservation and climate resilience, including challenges linked to ocean warming and the ocean’s role in regulating the climate.

Pakistan Eyes Stronger Marine Science and Climate Partnerships

Prof Dr Abdul Malik, vice chancellor of Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, highlighted his university’s China-supported marine science capacity and partnerships with Chinese institutions.

He said China has played an important role in developing marine science and supporting scientific activities across South Asian countries.

Malik also highlighted LUAWMS’s memorandums of understanding with the First Institute of Oceanography and Dalian Ocean University, as well as previous engagements with Chinese institutions including Shandong University.

Other Pakistani participants included Dr Aidah Baloch, a postdoctoral researcher at the First Institute of Oceanography, and Dr Muhsan Ali from Marine College at Shandong University’s Weihai campus.

Blue Economy and Marine Conservation in Focus

The newly adopted regional initiative is expected to support future cooperation in marine observation, ecosystem protection, scientific capacity building and sustainable blue-economy development.

For Pakistan, stronger marine science cooperation with China could also provide opportunities for research collaboration, technology exchange and greater scientific capacity in areas ranging from climate monitoring to sustainable management of marine resources.