ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has exported around 103,277 tonnes of fish and fish preparations during the first three-quarters of last fiscal year which contributed USD 276.269 million foreign exchange to the national exchequer.
The export of fish and fish preparations during the same period of 2015-16 was 92,046 tonnes, amounting to USD 240.038 million.
A data issued by the Commerce Division on Sunday revealed that exports of fish and fish preparations have witnessed an increase of 12.2 per cent in quantity and 15.09 per cent in value during the last year.
The major buyers are China, Thailand, Malaysia, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Japan etc.
The sources said fishery plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy and is considered to be a source of livelihood for coastal inhabitants. Apart from marine fisheries, inland fisheries (based in rivers, lakes, ponds, dams etc) is plays an important role in the economy throughout the country.
Fisheries’ share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 0.41 per cent but it has a value addition in export earnings.
During 2016-17 (July-March), total marine and inland fish production was estimated at 520,000 tonnes; out of which, 375,000 tonnes was marine production and remaining catch came from inland waters.
Whereas the production for period 2015-16 (July-March), was estimated to be 501,000 tonnes in which 368,000 tons was marine and remaining was produced by inland fishery sector.
The sources said to improve fisheries sector a number of initiatives were being taken by federal and provincial fisheries departments which included inter-alia strengthening of extension services, an introduction of new fishing methodologies, development of value added products, enhancement of per capita consumption of fish, and up-gradation of socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen’s community.
The government also arranged training of around 2,455 fishermen and fisheries related personnel on different aspects to bring high-quality products which fetch a higher price in the market.
These training also aimed at reducing post-harvest losses on board fishing vessels and were imparted on hygiene, deckhand, navigational electronic equipment, HACCP, modern fishing techniques etc.
Moreover, the sources said to enhance export of seafood products a model shrimp farm in District Thatta, Sindh has been established by Fisheries Development Board with funding from Export Development Fund (EDF) to enhance the supply of raw material for seafood industry in Pakistan.
They said in order to enhance seafood exports and curb smuggling of seafood to Afghanistan and other countries from Peshawar, four new development projects are being implemented.
Moreover, the sources said to meet the requirement of EU and other importing countries, 2,000 fishing boats have been modified which is a success story for Pakistan.
The other initiative was that pursuant to a requirement of EU and other importing countries, on Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), guidelines have been prepared and distributed to 137 fish exporters/processors to ensure the quality of seafood.
