Karachi, September 14, 2023 – Today in Karachi, the United States has reaffirmed its strong commitment to collaborate with the Government of Pakistan and the port and shipping industry to develop a comprehensive national action plan.
This plan aims to promote sustainable shipping practices, combat global climate change, and enhance Pakistan’s trade competitiveness.
US Deputy Chief of Mission, Andrew Schofer, co-hosted the second Green Shipping roundtable alongside Hussain Islam, Office of the Prime Minister Political Secretary and Chairman for Strategic Reforms Unit, and Alia Shahid, Director General for Ports and Shipping at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Together, they emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address climate change.
In his keynote remarks, Mr. Schofer underscored the pivotal role of sustainable shipping practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change. He was joined by Consul General Conrad Tribble and representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Energy. Mr. Schofer stressed the importance of constructive dialogues to tackle these pressing environmental issues, saying, “Given our shared climate challenges, it is imperative that we engage in robust bilateral dialogues. Today is a testament to our commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient future, one that will benefit not only us but generations to come.”
During the Green Shipping roundtable, stakeholders engaged in discussions on opportunities to reduce carbon emissions within Pakistan’s port, shipping, and logistics sectors. Port authorities, industry leaders, and other key players in the ports and shipping value chain explored ways to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable shipping practices in Pakistan, as well as how to support the Green Shipping Challenge at COP28.
The Green Shipping Challenge was launched at COP27 by the United States and Norway. This roundtable, organized by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan in partnership with USAID’s Pakistan Regional Economic Integration Activity (PREIA), builds upon previous stakeholder consultations on June 1 and technical working group meetings on August 17-18. It highlights the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Pakistan to advance economic growth and create a more sustainable future for Pakistan.
The United States has a history of supporting Pakistan’s development, including initiatives like the “Green Revolution” in the 1960s, which improved crop yields, economic opportunities, food security, and life expectancy. The U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework further promotes cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, and water. The United States remains committed to supporting Pakistan as it strengthens climate resilience, pursues energy transformation, and fosters inclusive economic growth.
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