National fisheries policy being prepared to unlock $10bn potential: minister

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhary told a meeting on Thursday that a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy is being drafted to help the sector generate as much as $10 billion. According to Business Recorder, the minister made these remarks while reviewing how his ministry and its attached departments have performed. He also called for simpler procedures and meaningful dialogue with business groups and other interested parties.

A one-window facility modelled on the Khidmat Centres has been completed, and it will offer several government services to businesses through a single platform. The aim is to cut procedural delays and ease access for investors and maritime firms. Separately, a 100-acre off-dock terminal under development at Gwadar Port is intended to boost trade with the Central Asian Republics and strengthen regional logistics links.

A $3 million project backed by the Global Environment Facility targets marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, with a focus on sustainable fishing. The minister argued that maritime expansion and environmental safeguards should advance together, and he requested a plan to put recovered port land to productive use. The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects, and the minister directed officials to finish them on time.