'Seafood exports could reach $2b'

Pakistani seafood is now stocked on supermarket shelves in Europe, according to a statement issued on Saturday, which presented the move as evidence of growing capacity to satisfy demanding quality and food-safety requirements. The news was shared during a visit by a senior Chinese delegation and other guests to Sea Green Enterprises.

CEO Asim Abrar argued that the achievement shows Pakistani seafood can compete abroad when it is processed, packed and handled to European norms. He also said the country has large untapped potential, and that with suitable infrastructure, investment, modern processing plants and added value, the sector could generate exports of $1-2 billion.

Sea Green was credited with securing a place in high-end overseas retail, and the statement thanked the Marine Fisheries Department, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and other government departments for helping open access to heavily regulated foreign markets. The statement presented the case as an example of how the fisheries industry's untapped potential can be realised.