Karachi, On World Fisheries Day, Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir, emphasized the significant potential of Pakistan’s seafood industry in reaching international markets, given the proper integration of standards and technology. He spoke at a seminar organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) at Bahria University, focusing on the theme “Conservation through Cooperation: Developing Fishing Communities.”
According to the Sindh Chief Minister House, Justice Baqir highlighted Pakistan’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and extensive coastline, which positions the country as a leader in the development of the blue economy. He noted that marine fishing activities are concentrated along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, providing a substantial source of employment and livelihood for coastal communities.
The Chief Minister pointed out the diversity of seafood products ranging from fish and prawns to crabs and squid, including frozen and fresh seafood, canned goods, and value-added items like breaded fish fillets. Pakistan’s main seafood export markets include America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Korea. With seafood exports reaching $496 million in 2022-23, he expressed optimism about the sector’s growth prospects.
Justice Baqir suggested that accessing international markets should involve meeting special standards and incorporating advanced technology in fishing practices, such as GPS tracking, sonar, and data analytics. He emphasized the importance of investments in research and development for sustainable aquaculture practices, new species exploration, and improved breeding techniques.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the challenges faced by the fisheries sector, including overfishing, habitat loss, and regulatory gaps. He stressed the need for enhanced governance, including the implementation of licensing and environmental impact assessments, to promote sustainable practices and strategic investments. This approach, he believes, will maximize the potential of Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, contributing to the economic prosperity and well-being of coastal populations.
The seminar was commended by Justice Baqir for its role in addressing challenges and offering policy recommendations. He assured that the Sindh government would fully cooperate in implementing these recommendations.