Sindh Government Pushes for Increased Seafood Exports to EU Despite Ban

Karachi: The Sindh government in Pakistan is working to increase seafood exports to the EU, despite a ban on shrimp and fish exports. Efforts to meet EU standards and lift the ban are underway.

Sindh Government Works to Boost Seafood Exports to EU Despite Ban

The government of Sindh province, Pakistan, is taking significant steps to boost seafood exports to the European Union, despite a current ban on the export of shrimp and various fish species.

Muhammad Ali Malkani, the Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, explained that the province is making efforts to meet EU standards, which could eventually lead to the lifting of the ban on seafood exports.

Sindh Government’s Efforts to Meet EU Standards

To facilitate the removal of the ban, the Sindh government is focusing on ensuring that hatcheries are available within the province to produce seafood that meets the required standards. These hatcheries will help grow seeds that can later be released into rivers as part of the government’s efforts to revitalize the local fishing industry.

Challenges Facing Sindh’s Seafood Industry

While progress is being made, Malkani pointed out that local seafood factories are not receiving direct subsidies, though other forms of support are being offered. The industry faces additional challenges, including the need for boat maintenance, the widespread use of banned fishing gear like nets, and the lack of essential infrastructure such as cold storage facilities.

Support for Sindh’s Fishermen

Despite these hurdles, Malkani assured that the Sindh government will continue offering assistance to local fishermen, although the ministry’s resources remain limited.

The Sindh government’s ongoing efforts highlight the province’s commitment to meeting international standards and expanding its seafood export market, aiming for the eventual lifting of the EU ban.