Pakistan has received authorization to extend the export of seafood products to the United States for another four years, on Saturday announced Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
Pakistan seafood exports increased to $ 465 million in fiscal year 2015, reflecting an increase in the value of 13.4 percent and an 8PC growth in quantity compared to last year, according to data published by the Pakistan Statistics Office (PBS) in July.
According to a press release from the Maritime Ministry, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States (NOAA) classified all Pakistani fisheries that appear in its list of foreign fisheries as “comparable” under the law of protection of marine mammals (mmpa).
“This classification confirms that Pakistan fisheries meet the United States standards to protect marine mammals from incidental mortality and serious injuries during fishing operations,” said Chaudhry cited.
The MMPA required that the fisheries “minimize the incidental capture of marine mammals, adopt conservation practices and operate the measures” to support the healthiest marine ecosystems, read in the press release.
“The decision reflects the international recognition of the quality of Pakistan’s shellfish and will provide long -term stability to the sector,” said the minister.
“The extension is expected to drive our position in the world seafood market, ensuring access to one of the world’s largest seafood importers,” he added.
The Maritime Ministry also said that current seafood profits were approximately $ 2 per kilogram in the global market, noting that “with this international support of compliance, the price is expected to increase, which can open new markets in Europe and the Gulf.”
He declared that Pakistan exported 242,484 metric tons of seafood products worth $ 489.2 million to an average of $ 2 per kilogram. “The same export volume next year could generate almost $ 600 million.”
Chaudhry described the successful presentation of an integral compliance file to NOAA “a critical milestone.” “This acceptance validates the continuous efforts of Pakistan to regulate its commercial fisheries, defend sustainable fishing practices and align with international environmental standards,” he added.
The minister stressed that the approval was “vital” to protect the exports of multimillionaire seafood to the US market and improve the country’s reputation for responsible and sustainable fishing management. Chaudhry also emphasized the “strengthening of protection measures for marine mammals” to guarantee long -term health of marine biodiversity.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Commerce said that Pakistan exporters were prepared to obtain a significant competitive advantage in the US market after the government successfully negotiated a reduction in reciprocal tariffs, from 29 percent to 19 percent, the lowest rate in the region.
The Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal, said that the structure of revised rates presents a timely opportunity to boost exports and appreciate the coordinated efforts of the government’s economic team, together with the support of the private sector, to achieve this milestone.
