Seafood export target set at $450m, minister told
This was told by Marine Fisheries Department (MDF) Director General (DG) Dr Mansoor Ali Wasan to the Federal Minister for Maritimes Affairs Junaid Akbar Chaudhary. The DG MDF said that his department has initiated establishing a fisheries dialogue, research centre, revamping the fisheries training center to conduct 300 training sessions over three years and reactivating four laboratories to achieve the targets.
Pakistan's seafood exports from July to May (2020-24) stood at $383.088 million; an increase from $373.382 million recorded during the same period in 2019-23. This reflects a year-on-year growth rate of approximately 2.6 percent, despite global economic challenges and fluctuating trade patterns.
He added Pakistan is endowed with immense fishing potential, thanks to our 1,000-kilometre-long coastline, diverse aquatic species, and favourable climatic conditions. China has emerged as a pivotal partner in our seafood trade, accounting for a substantial portion of our exports.
Pakistan's seafood exports reached $410.268 million in fiscal year 2023-24, a decrease of 17.4 percent compared to the record high of $496.6 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
DrWasan informed the maritime minister that stakeholders in fisheries, such as fishermen, exporters, and crew members will receive training at the Fisheries Research Centre.
The minister urged KoFHA to accelerate the Pak Aqua public-private venture to enhance trade by leveraging private sector investment for facility modernisation and operational efficiency.
The minister emphasised the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure in a new maritime strategy, aiming to modernise ports, reduce environmental impact, and boost economic growth.
In a series of high-level meetings, the minister reviewed progress across key maritime institutions, including the Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA), and the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), emphasising environmental sustainability.
The minister assessed the implementation of PQA's 10-year development plan focused on increasing cargo handling capacity and modernising infrastructure to establish the port as a regional maritime logistics hub.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also evaluated KPT's reform strategy emphasising governance, human capital, operational modernisation, financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
‘Grow More Wheat' competition: Jhang's farmer bags 1st position
LAHORE: Muzaffar Mahmood, a progressive farmer from District Jhang secured the 1st position in 'Grow More Wheat' competition arranged by the Punjab government by having a wheat yield of 69.96 maunds per acre, earning him an 85-horsepower tractor. This was announced at the prize-distribution ceremony among the provincial and divisional level winners of the competition held on Wednesday. On this occasion, the portal for applications under the second phase of the Green Tractor Program was also formally launched. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Leghari and Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo were also present. Muhammad Afzal from District Kasur achieved the second position with a yield of 69.87 maunds per acre and received a 75-horsepower tractor, while Shahid Abbas Khan from Dera Ghazi Khan secured the third position with 69.72 maunds per acre and was awarded a 60-horsepower tractor. Kirmani personally handed over the keys and documents of the tractors to the successful farmers. In addition, cash prizes of Rs 1 million, Rs 800,000, and Rs 500,000 were distributed among the first, second, and third place winners of the Lahore Division wheat competition, respectively. Addressing the ceremony, Kirmani said the service and prosperity of farmers are among the top priorities of Chief Minister Punjab. Under the Chief Minister's vision, modern agricultural machinery facilities are being introduced to increase yields and reduce production costs. He informed that under the second phase of the Green Tractor Program, 10,000 tractors ranging from 75 to 125 horsepower will be provided to farmers with a subsidy of Rs 1 million per tractor. The Minister further stated that under the Punjab Agriculture Transforming Program, projects such as an interest-free loan scheme, establishment of agri-malls, provision of Rs. 75 billion through the Kissan Card under the Wheat Support Program, and free distribution of 1,000 tractors to farmers cultivating wheat on 12.5 acres or more are successfully underway. He announced that before the next wheat sowing season, the Chief Minister Punjab will announce a special package worth Rs 100 billion to support farmers. The Agriculture Secretary said that the government is taking concrete steps to promote farm mechanization, reduce crop production costs, and ensure the supply of quality agricultural inputs. These initiatives will prove to be milestones in increasing farmers' income and advancing the agriculture sector. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Provincial Minister for Agriculture distributed certificates among officers demonstrating outstanding performance, including Director General Agriculture Extension Ch Abdul Hameed, Director General Agricultural Information Punjab Naveed Asmat Kahloon, and others. Additional Secretary Agriculture (Planning) Aamir Shehzad Kung, Additional Secretary Agriculture (Task Force) Punjab Muhammad Shabbir Ahmed Khan, wheat farmers, and representatives of the tractor industry also attended the event. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
‘Foundation of Sino-Pak ties based on mutual respect, trust'
LAHORE: Acting Governor of Punjab, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has said that the foundation of Pakistan-China relations is based on mutual respect, trust, and affection. He stated that Pakistan greatly values China's cooperation in the country's development and progress. 'CPEC is not only the key to Pakistan's development but also the prosperity of the entire region,' he added. He expressed these views during a meeting with the Chinese Consul General, Zhao Shiren, at Governor House. The meeting discussed the promotion of Pakistan-China relations, progress on CPEC projects, and expanding cooperation in new sectors. Both sides also agreed on the exchange of parliamentary delegations. Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren invited the Acting Governor to attend the National Day celebrations of the People's Republic of China as a special guest. Later, Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan inaugurated a milk sabeel (refreshment stall) during the 982nd Urs celebrations of Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri (RA). The milk sabeel will continue for three days to serve visitors free milk. Speaking on the occasion, the Acting Governor said that following the teachings of the Sufi saints is the key to harmony in society. 'The teachings of Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri (RA) are a guiding light for us,' he remarked. The Urs celebrations are being observed with great devotion and respect, and a large number of devotees from across the country are visiting the shrine. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
PESCO launches Pension Management System
PESHAWAR: In a major step towards digital transformation and transparency, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has launched it's first-ever PESCO Pension Management System (PPMS); a comprehensive software solution in-house. The software was developed by Arif Hameed, Assistant Manager ERP under the leadership of Finance Director PESCO, Yasir Naseem, according to a statement here on Wednesday. This landmark development replaces the company's manual pension system, ensuring swift, transparent, and hassle-free processing of pension cases. The PPMS will significantly reduce the processing time for pension applications, eliminating long-standing delays and challenges faced by pensioners under the old system. Recognizing this achievement, Chairman PESCO Board of Directors, Himayatullah Khan, commended Arif Hameed for his outstanding contribution and awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation. Board Member Fazal-e-Khaliq also presented him with an Honorary Shield as a token of recognition for his commendable efforts. With this initiative, PESCO became the first power distribution company to introduce a comprehensive digital pension management system, setting a new benchmark in public service efficiency and digital transformation within the power sector. This software will manage the complete pension process from initial case preparation to final payment and monthly pension disbursements processed through PPMS eliminate the risk of duplicate payments. It will provide one-click access to detailed payment records for transparency and audit readiness and will automatically make calculations and ensure compliance with pension regulations for all case types. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
