Karachi: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday said Pakistan’s fisheries exports had exceeded the target of $500 million, reaching $563 million, and expressed optimism that the sector could double its exports through innovation, modern technology and value addition.
Talking to the media after inaugurating the newly constructed corporate office of the Sindh Balochistan Coastal Company, the Minister said the performance of the maritime sector was improving, with several projects announced at the country’s ports.
He said the fisheries sector had considerable potential for further growth, particularly through value addition to fish and other marine products.
“We hope the fisheries sector will further increase its exports through innovation and modern technology, and we are confident that it can double its exports, ” he said.
Junaid Anwar said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs was ready to provide all possible facilities to exporters and had prepared a plan aimed at offering incentives to businesses that exceeded their export targets.
He said the proposed mechanism would soon be presented to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for approval. If approved, it would provide a major incentive for increasing exports, he added.
The Minister said the proposed incentives could include reduced taxes for exporters exceeding their targets, adding that the initiative would also help discourage under-invoicing, increase the remittance of export proceeds in dollars and further expand Pakistan’s export base.
He emphasised that exporters of all scales would be included in the proposed scheme so that its benefits were not limited to large businesses.
The Minister also urged the private sector to come forward and support government efforts to expand maritime and fisheries exports.
Regarding marine conservation, he said the government was also preparing a plan to protect marine life. The department was training fishermen in sustainable fishing and catching techniques that would minimise harm to aquatic life, he added.
Referring to port operations, Junaid Anwar said transshipment activity had increased amid the prevailing regional situation. He said even Gwadar Port, which had previously remained largely inactive, had received some ships. He appreciated the chairmen and teams of the country’s ports for effectively managing operations during the challenging period.
The Minister said the government had also reduced transshipment charges as part of its efforts to increase exports and attract more maritime business, adding that various marketing measures were being taken to further promote transshipment through Pakistani ports.
