March 19, 2007

EU ban on seafood exports to cost Pakistan US$50 million a year

The European Union (EU) ban on seafood exports from Pakistan, announced last week would cost the nation US$50-60 million a year, Pakistan Seafood Industry Chairman Hanif Khan said.

The EU has de-listed all 11 Pakistani seafood exporters and would ban seafood exports from Pakistan with effect from April 12.

EU is by far the largest export market for Pakistan and Pakistan exporters would only get half the price if they were to export to other countries.

The ban would endanger jobs at dozens of fisheries, Khan said, blaming both the federal and provincial governments for causing the problem.

He said the EU inspectors have raised objections on harbour handling and deficiencies of the system. Pakistan authorities are waiting for a detailed report from the EU, which is expected within the next two weeks.

Resolution could take 4-5 months, Khan said.

Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Secretary Ismail Qureshi said the EU was satisfied with the laboratory facilities, but had issues in the supply and cold chains.