ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) general secretariat in Jeddah, in collaboration with the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), is set to organize a meeting of water centers of excellence in OIC member states in Islamabad on Feb. 24-25, COMSTECH said on Sunday.
The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organization in the world, after the United Nations. It consists of 57 Muslim member states spread across four continents and is considered a collective voice of Muslim countries around the world.
Established by the OIC in 1981 and headquartered in Islamabad, COMSTECH continues to serve as a cornerstone of the OIC’s mission to promote scientific excellence and technological innovation, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improvement in quality of life across member states.
The meeting in Islamabad this month aims to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action among leading water research and development institutions across OIC member states, according to COMSTECH.
“The meeting will bring together experts, policymakers, and representatives from water centers of excellence across the OIC region. The participants will discuss pressing water-related challenges and explore innovative solutions for sustainable water management,” the OIC body said in a statement.
“The event will host representatives from multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Togo, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, UAE, and Yemen, among others.”
Water security remains a critical issue for many OIC member states, while challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, pollution and inefficient resource management continue to threaten economic and social development.
The inaugural networking event in Islamabad aims to strengthen institutional linkages, facilitate joint research initiatives, and enhance capacity-building efforts among member states, according to COMSTECH.
“The key objectives of this important meeting include establishing a collaborative network of water centers of excellence within the OIC framework, promoting knowledge exchange on best practices in water conservation, management, and policy development and strengthening cooperation between governments, research institutions, and international organizations for sustainable water solutions,” it said.
The event, featuring expert panel discussions, technical presentations and interactive networking sessions, will provide a platform for meaningful engagement and the development of long-term partnerships.
“As the host of this pivotal meeting, COMSTECH continues to play a leading role in enhancing scientific and technological cooperation among OIC member states,” COMSTECH said. “This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the OIC in advancing science and technology for sustainable development.”
OIC, COMSTECH to hold inaugural meeting in Islamabad this month on water security in OIC states
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OIC, COMSTECH to hold inaugural meeting in Islamabad this month on water security in OIC states
- Water security remains a critical issue for many OIC member states as climate change, poor resource management continue to threaten economic development
- The networking event aims to strengthen institutional linkages, facilitate joint research initiatives, and enhance capacity-building efforts of OIC members
Pakistan, China discuss $2.2 billion maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim
- The proposal aligns with Pakistan’s push to modernize port infrastructure and link Central Asian trade routes to sea lanes
- The project may include shipbuilding, shipbreaking and a port-linked steel mill, as authorities streamline port operations
KARACHI: Pakistan and China discussed plans for a large maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim involving up to €2 billion ($2.2 billion) in investment on Thursday, as Islamabad seeks to modernize its ports and position itself as a regional trade and logistics hub, a government statement said.
The proposal comes as Pakistan looks to upgrade port infrastructure to handle higher trade volumes and improve connectivity between sea lanes and landlocked Central Asian states, leveraging its geographic position at the crossroads of South and Central Asia. The effort aligns with the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has underpinned Chinese investment in Pakistan’s energy, transport and infrastructure sectors with the aim of boosting regional connectivity.
The project was discussed during a meeting between a delegation from China’s Shandong Zinxu Group and Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, according to the statement.
“Proposal for a comprehensive maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim was reviewed during the meeting,” Chaudhry said in a statement circulated after the talks.
“The proposed project could involve investment of €1–2 billion,” he added.
Chaudhry said the project under discussion could include the establishment of shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities, as well as a modern, port-linked steel mill aimed at reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported steel.
He added that the revival of the steel jetty at Port Qasim would be critical for the project’s viability.
The minister said employment generation, value addition and environmental considerations would be prioritized as part of the proposed investment, which, if approved, could rank among Pakistan’s largest industrial projects.
Pakistan has in recent months stepped up efforts to streamline port operations, including the introduction of artificial intelligence-based technologies to improve efficiency, reduce congestion and speed up cargo handling.
Only a day earlier, the maritime affairs minister met a delegation from Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways to discuss plans to establish a railway station and modern storage facilities at Port Qasim, aimed at improving logistics and cargo movement to and from the port.
