KARACHI: Caretaker  Chief Minister Sindh Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar said that seafood products, ranging from fish and shrimp to crabs and squid including frozen and fresh seafood, canned goods and value-added items like breaded fish fillets can find their way to international markets if we ensure our adherence to quality standards and integration of technology is ensured.

Speaking at seminar organied by National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) to commemorate World Fisheries Day at Bahria University Interim CM said that he was happy for professionals and policymakers on this significant occasion of World Fisheries Day 2023, marked by theme ‘Conservation through Collaboration: Developing Fishing Communities.’ Today, I am privileged to share this moment with you, gathering that highlights heartbeat of our celebration-vibrant and resilient fishing communities along Pakistan coast.

Interim said that fishermen’s communities were not merely guardians of sea, they embody essence of our cultural heritage, preserving traditions that have been cherished and passed down through generations. “As we come together to observe World Fisheries Day, it is only fitting that we shine spotlight on these communities, placing them at forefront of our discussions,” he said.

Baqar said that Pakistan was blessed with coastline stretching over 1,000 km and an expansive Exclusive Economic Zone covering 290,000 square km including extended continental shelf. “This endowment positions Pakistan with significant potential for development of Blue Economy,” he said and added our marine fishing activities were concentrated along coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, constituting 30 percent and 70 percent of Pakistan’s total coastal area, respectively.

He said that for periods, fishing has been vital source of sustenance for communities along Indus River and Arabian Sea. “Our waters harbour approximately 70 commercial fish species,” he disclosed and said that fisheries sector not only significantly contributes to our economy but also forms backbone of livelihoods for our coastal communities.

“Our key export destinations include the United States, Europe, middle East, Southeast Asia and South Korea. Remarkably, Pakistan’s seafood export reached an all-time high, hitting $ 496 million in 2022-23,” he disclosed and added that growth potential was substantial.

CM said that there was ample room for expansion in processing and value-addition sector, encompassing filleting, freezing, canning, and production of various fish-based products. Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector are pivotal in providing livelihoods for coastal communities and ensuring nation’s food security.

He said that this seminar would play vital role in discussing challenges and suggesting policy gaps. Appreciating NIMA, the CM said Sindh government would fully support implementation of recommendations coming out of this seminar.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 22 2023

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