September 29, 2009
Pakistan seafood exports increase as fishing conditions improve
Pakistan's seafood exports increased in August as compared to last year after measures taken to improve the condition of harbour and that of boats used in catching fish and shrimp.
According to data, seafood exports rose to 5,327 tonnes in August against 5,032 tonnes in August last year. Value of exports also increased to US$9.65 million from US$9.10 million.
Marine Fisheries Department director general and Fisheries Development Board chief executive officer Mohammad Moazzam Khan said several steps had been taken for making improvements at the harbour and modifying boats, which led to increase in seafood exports.
Sources said the exports rose after efforts made by the government which was serious about livestock and dairy development and get the EU ban on seafood exports lifted.
An EU delegation is likely to visit Pakistan in October to inspect the Karachi Fisheries Harbour.
The EU de-listed all Pakistani seafood exporters in April 2007 and the ban has not yet been lifted. Out of 28 seafood processing units, 11 had been exporting to the EU.
Despite the suspension of shipments to the EU, Pakistan's overall seafood exports increased to US$236.58 million in 2008-09 compared to US$188.32 million in 2006-07 when it was exporting to the EU member states.
Sources said had the EU not imposed the ban, exports could have crossed US$300 million as kidney shrimp did not get a good price in other markets compared to the EU. Out of total seafood exports of US$194 million in 2005-06, shipments to the EU were over 25 percent at US$50.05 million.
In the absence of the EU market, seafood exports marked a significant increase to China, the UAE, Thailand, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
In order to win back the EU market, fisheries authorities have taken several measures to improve the whole system. Though exports have increased, officials said the importance of EU market stands intact as the bloc gives stable and good prices, has a large network of countries, its standards set the benchmark and kidney shrimp gets the best price there.
