Multiple structural issues continue to undermine the potential of the fisheries sector. While fishermen and exporters, are contributing to growth of seafood exports, they do expect renewed and required policy focus.
Despite heavy odds as under-hauling of fish, overcrowded fish harbours and lack of proper processing facilities, seafood exports have grown over the last few years, even during the 7-year long EU ban on seafood buying from Pakistan from 2007-2013.
Export earnings grew from $213m in FY08 to $367m in FY14—an average annual increase of 12pc plus.
Penetration into non-conventional markets like North Africa and China, increase in export volumes to traditional Middle Eastern markets and improvement in fish and shrimp processing undertaken by some leading exporters
