A Chinese delegation from the Second Institute of Oceanography, representing Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), People’s Republic of China visited National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) Pakistan from 16th to 20th August 2023. The visit of a delegation from the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) to the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Pakistan marked the commencement of a significant collaboration.
Day 1 – 16th August 2023
The visit of the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) delegation to the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Pakistan centered on discussions regarding the establishment of a Ground Station for Marine Remote Sensing (GSMRS). The DirectorGeneral of NIO presented a comprehensive overview of NIO's functions, achievements, and ongoing research projects and plans, National and International Collaborations. The schedule for the visit was also discussed and the importance of stakeholder’s engagements and support was conveyed.

The meeting concluded with a brief plan for the next day’s site visits for Dhabeji and Ghorabari Sub Station. In the afternoon, the delegation visited each section of the Institute and interacted with the researchers showing interest in their work and possible partnerships for the future.

Day 2 – 17th August 2023
The group comprising of the Chinese guests and NIO Project team and relevant officials with the Director General traveled to Dhabeji, the site identified for GSMRS in 2015. The team then continued to visit the NIO substation Ghorabari (GBSS) at Gharo, District Thatta. The DG NIO introduced the substation, providing insights into its background, current status, ongoing and future scientific activities planned at Ghorabari.



Day 3 – 18th August 2023
The stakeholders from various national institutions were invited to meet with the SIO delegation and NIO had arranged briefing on the background of the project and technical details of the project and the end-user engagement. Senior representative from the International Liaison office, MoST was also present. The stakeholders engaged directly with the NIO and SIO. With the new Ground station for marine applications. Dr. Samina Kidwai, DG NIO, expects new opportunities for young researchers and early-career ocean professionals (ECOP). She expects that the facility cannot just cater to Pakistani researcher needs but can provide a professional development platform for regional countries and others interested.
SIO delegation accompanied by the Director General, Project team, NIO relevant experts of the subject and representative of IL MoST, visited the International Center of Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. At the ICCBS the group was received warmly by the Distinguished Professor Dr. Atta ur Rehman and the team of ICCBS. A briefing was arranged.In the end of the briefing; the guests were presented with the presents.
Day 4 – 19th August 2023
The research and development operations being carried out by multiple sections of NIO were presented by the sectional heads to the SIO Delegation, encompassing the relevant projects that are planned for remote sensing applications. Notably, the participation of Geology and Geophysics section in Continental Shelf Extension, the Chinese geological survey cruises was highlighted. Likewise the Physical Section showedtheir R & D projects, their PSDP projects specially the ongoing “Monitoring the sea water intrusion, sea level rise, coastal erosion and land subsidence along Sindh and Baluchistan coast”. The HOD/PD showed how important this project was to Pakistan planning coastal installations, safety of the coastal zone, the wellbeing and livelihoods of the coastal communities. The involvement of Integrated Physical Oceanography lab in monitoring of TC BIPARJOY was conveyed to be instrumental in National Collaboration. The Chemistry Section presented ongoing projects related to environmental studies in the creeks of Indus delta and marine pollution risk assessments. The biology section presented the research work, facilities, collaborations, publications, international partnerships and projects (International, PSDP, and R & D Projects). Keen interest in the research activities of NIO’s sections was expressed by Chinese delegation.


Day 5 – 20th August 2023 – Sunday
The recommendations were drafted, reviewed, and subsequently signed on both sides, witnessed by IL, MoST and shared identical true copies by both parties.