The Minister announced new educational and training programs designed to equip the maritime workforce with essential skills for the evolving industry landscape
By Abdul Rafay Siddiqui
KARACHI: The Conference on Logistics, Maritime Affairs, and Blue Economy (COLMAB-24), held on August 19th at PC Hotel Karachi, concluded with a series of groundbreaking discussions and announcements, prominently featuring Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh. The conference, which attracted leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the maritime industry, focused on advancing global maritime practices, sustainability, and technological innovation.
In his keynote address, Minister Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements, enhancing international cooperation, and adopting sustainable practices within the maritime industry. The Minister highlighted several key initiatives aimed at modernizing maritime operations, reducing environmental impact, and fostering collaborative efforts across borders.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh announced national initiatives to integrate advanced technologies, including autonomous shipping and state-of-the-art navigation systems, to enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency. The Minister introduced stringent new regulations to address emissions and waste management, aligning with global environmental standards to mitigate climate change impacts.
The Minister underscored the need for enhanced international partnerships, calling for collective action to address shared maritime challenges and promote best practices. A significant investment in modernizing maritime infrastructure was revealed, aimed at boosting economic growth and improving global supply chain efficiency. The Minister announced new educational and training programs designed to equip the maritime workforce with essential skills for the evolving industry landscape.
In a statement following the conference, the Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs praised The Signature Event for their role in organizing the conference. He stated, “The remarkable organization of this conference is a testament to the expertise and dedication of The Signature Event. Their exceptional work has not only ensured a seamless event but has also contributed significantly to the impactful discussions and outcomes we have witnessed. We are deeply grateful for their outstanding efforts.” The Ministry of Maritime Affairs extended its sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, and especially to The Signature Event for their invaluable contribution to the conference’s success.
Notable attendees included Muhammad Zubair Motiwala (CE, TDAP & Chairman BMG), Anjum Nisar (Former President, KCCI), President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Khurram Aziz Khan (CEO, KGTL), CS Kim (CEO, SAPT), Ray (Head of Operations, KICT), Zaffarullah Jan (KICT), Sanaullah Abro (Director, Customs), Altaf A. Ghaffar, Tanveer Barry, Muhammad Idris, Shamim Firpo, Majyd Aziz, Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, Tariq Yusuf, Abdullah Zaki (Former Presidents, KCCI), Maqsood Ismail, Rasheed Jan Muhammad, Babar Bidaat, Commodore (R) Obaidullah, Navaid Qureshi (Hutchison Port), Farooq Zahid (Chairman Subcommittee on Maritime Affairs), and Tanveer Ahmed (Ex-Member FBR & Senior Advisor UN-GCNP-MACN), among others from various sectors. The conference marked a significant step forward in the pursuit of a more sustainable and technologically advanced maritime industry in Pakistan, setting the stage for continued growth and collaboration in the future.
