Govt eyes $10bn fisheries potential through maritime reforms

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhary said the government is working to cut red tape in the sea-based sector and bolster fisheries, aquaculture and port infrastructure, Mettis Global reported. At a review of the ministry's performance and its attached departments, he urged simpler business procedures and wider private sector input into policymaking. He instructed agencies to build industry recommendations into policies on sea-based activities, with attention to ease of doing business and investment.

Officials told the meeting that a one-window facility modelled on Khidmat Centres is ready, bringing several government services under a single roof to reduce procedural hurdles for maritime investors. The minister also checked how work on a 100-acre off-dock terminal at Gwadar Port is advancing, saying it will boost commerce with the Central Asian Republics and sharpen regional cargo links.

A $3m project backed by the Global Environment Facility, focused on marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems and on greener fishing methods, was also presented to the meeting. Chaudhary stressed that maritime growth must go hand in hand with protecting marine habitats, and asked for a strategy to put encroachment-recovered port land to productive use. He also told officials to speed up ongoing projects, ensure they finish on time and improve coordination among stakeholders.