October 2, 2006

Pakistan's fish consumption the lowest in the world despite exports

Per capita fish consumption in Pakistan is the lowest in the world, with only two kg per year compared to world average of 17 kg per year, according to SMEDA, a Pakistani government economic body.  

One reason for the low consumption cited was that since most of the produce is exported, there is hardly any for domestic uses.

According to official facts and figures, most of the fish catch in Pakistan is from marine sources, which formed 70 percent of the total fish exports.

Pakistan exports fish mainly to Europe, US, Japan and Middle Eastern countries, accounting for only 0.25 percent of world exports. According to SMEDA assessments, Pakista's fisheries sector can yield even higher earnings if aquaculture potential is exploited.