Pakistan, Sept. 21 -- SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President, Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday said Pakistan's geographical location offered a strong opportunity to develop its maritime sector and strengthen its role in regional and global trade. In a statement, he said the country's Arabian Sea coastline and three major ports, Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar, could play an important role in strengthening the national economy and connecting Central Asia with global markets.

He said artificial intelligence and digital technology could improve port operations through better vessel planning, cargo management, predictive maintenance, traffic control and supply chain coordination. Iftikhar Malik said Pakistan could also devel...