QINGHAO, Sept. 28, (China Economic Net) - Pakistani officials and academics were among more than 100 participants from China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and other South Asian countries at the China-South Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum held in Qingdao, Shandong province last week, as Pakistan seeks to deepen marine science connections with China and regional partners.

The forum adopted the China-South Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Initiative, a move expected to strengthen regional collaboration in marine science, the blue economy and sustainable development. Participants held discussions on three themes: ocean and climate observation, forecasting and disaster prevention and mitigation; marine ecological protection and restoration; and integrated ocean management, blue economy and sustainable development.

Prof Dr Abdul Malik, vice chancellor of LUAWMS, Engr. Naimatullah Sohoo, director general of the National Institute of Oceanography, Pakistan at the China-South Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum in Qingdao, photo provided to CEN

Pakistani experts played an active role in the discussions. Engr. Naimatullah Sohoo, director general of the National Institute of Oceanography, Pakistan, presented Pakistan’s strategies for ocean conservation, climate resilience and best practices covering issues such as ocean warming and the ocean’s role as a climate regulator.

Prof Dr Abdul Malik, vice chancellor of Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), delivered a keynote speech on LUAWMS’s contributions to marine ecosystem protection and a sustainable blue economy. “China has played a very important role in marine sciences and in developing scientific activities in South Asian countries,” Abdul Malik said. “Our university has a marine science department that has been developed with great support from China, particularly in helping train human resources.”

He noted that LUAWMS had previously signed memorandums of understanding with several Chinese institutions, including the First Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Dalian Ocean University, and that LUAWMS had earlier visited a number of Chinese universities, including Shandong University.

Dr Aidah Baloch, postdoctoral researcher at the First Institute of Oceanography, Dr Muhsan Ali, staff of Marine College, Weihai campus of Shandong University and other Pakistani researchers also attended the event. “The forum and the newly adopted initiative are expected to open new opportunities for Pakistan in technology transfer, joint research and capacity building in marine sciences. We are expected to follow up with concrete projects in marine observation, ecosystem protection and sustainable blue economy development in the coming months,” said Aidah.