EU BAN ON PAKISTAN SEA FOOD EXPORT

The ban on seafood imports from Pakistan by the European Union appears to be “politically motivated” as facilities and hygienic conditions at the Karachi Fish Harbour are much better as compared to the fish harbours of the neighbouring countries.

“The international community should reject the negative impression and propaganda against Pakistani seafood as it is being handled in a much safer manner as compared to some other countries exporting seafood to EU member states.”

This was stated by Abdul Ghani Jokhio, Managing Director Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA), while speaking to a visiting Austrian delegation comprising Axel Wech, Austrian Ambassador and Dr Wolfgang Penzias, Austrian Trade Commissioner.

Managing Director KFHA said that the EU ban on seafood from Pakistan seems little bit politically motivated because the facilities available at Karachi Fish Harbour happen to be much better as compared to the neighbouring countries.

“Our top priority is to ensure that the local and international consumers get safe seafood and for this purpose fishing boats have been modified and fishermen have been provided with plastic crates, baskets and hand pallet trucks,” he informed the delegation.

Elaborating the future plan, Jokhio said that under the master plan of Karachi Fish Harbour, they would be providing fibre glass boats, value-added processing plants, treatment plant, reverse osmosis plant, freezing plant, ice factories and flake ice plants, costing Rs.6.5 billion, within three years.

Up-gradation of infrastructure and construction of new auction halls were also part of the master plan, he added.

The delegation showed keen interest in fisheries in Pakistan and said their visit was aimed to explore possibilities of cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Wolfgang Penzias said he wants to see the Pakistani seafood as an international brand as like Pakistani mango in international market.

Dr Penzias assured full cooperation and informed that a high-level Austrian trade delegation would be visiting Pakistan in April, including businessmen engaged in fisheries sector to work out modalities in this regard.

Giving update on marine resources, Director General Marine Fisheries Department said that squid and cuttle fish etc were being exported to EU countries.

Representatives of President Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, Sindh Trawlers Owners & Fishermen Association and Fishermen Cooperative Society were also present on the occasion.