Policies to unlock $10bn fisheries potential

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhary said work was under way on the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, aimed at unlocking the sector’s potential to generate up to $10 billion through appropriate policies.

He was chairing a meeting to review the performance, progress and achievements of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and its attached departments.

The minister stressed the need to improve the ease of doing business in the maritime sector by simplifying procedures and ensuring meaningful consultation with businesses and other stakeholders.

He directed the ministry and its attached departments to incorporate their views and recommendations into policies and initiatives related to sea-based economic activities.

The meeting was informed that work on establishing a one-window operation, modelled on the Khidmat Centres, had been completed. The facility would provide multiple government services to the business community through a single platform, helping reduce procedural delays and improve access for investors and maritime-sector businesses.

Junaid Chaudhary also highlighted the development of a 100-acre off-dock terminal at Gwadar Port, saying it would facilitate trade with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) and strengthen regional logistics connectivity.

The terminal is expected to improve cargo handling and logistics links and further enhance Gwadar’s role as a gateway for trade with landlocked Central Asian countries, he added.

The meeting was also informed about a $3 million Global Environment Facility (GEF)-supported project for the protection of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. The initiative focuses on biodiversity conservation and promoting environmentally sustainable fishing practices.

The minister stressed that economic development in the maritime sector must go hand in hand with environmental protection, particularly the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

He also sought a comprehensive plan for the productive utilisation of port land recovered from encroachments, saying it could generate additional economic resources and contribute to the development of the country’s blue economy.

The meeting reviewed progress on various ongoing initiatives and projects. The minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure their timely completion and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.