According to a Recorder Report, Pakistan has found new markets for its seafood exports in Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and South Africa. Consequently, exports in the sector rose by over 16 percent in the current fiscal year's July to November period as against the corresponding duration of the year before.
That would be great news except for the fact the 'new' markets are not in addition to the old and bigger EU market, but a replacement for it since it had refused to except seafood from Pakistan unless it meets the required standards.
Sad as it is, the EU slapped a ban on our seafood exports about two years ago after its food and veterinary directorate sent a team of experts to inspect the scene, and found much reason for concern. Their main objections were related to non-observance of cold chain requirements and prevalence of unhygienic conditions at the harbour. Under the international standards, the fishing boats are expected to keep their catch in 6C temperature while the freezing facilities are to be maintained at -12C. The inspectors also pointed out that the harbour is supposed to be cleaned with water after every auction, which had not been happening.
What alerted them to further irregularities was their discovery that even though the Karachi Fish Harbour Authority had developed a separate facility for the handling of EU bound seafood, only ten percent of the exports went through it and the rest from the common area. It also needs to be recalled here that last year the EU had also banned the import from Pakistan of whole red pepper and 'Sohan halva' saying these contained fungus and, hence, were unfit for human consumption.
Reports now say that some of our seafood is still being exported to EU, but via Dubai, without any mention of its place of origin. In other words, middlemen are making good money using our products. Hence not only Pakistan's reputation in the EU food market stands sullied; others are gaining benefits at its expense. The concerned authorities have wasted too much time to respond to the challenge.
Rather than to rejoice in having discovered alternative markets, we should be worried about losing the old one due to poor quality control. Meeting international standards would also benefit the domestic consumers who have little knowledge of the risks involved in eating fish, shrimps etc that are stored and transported to local markets without a care for the requisite precautionary measures.
What needs to be done is clearly listed in a lengthy report that the EU food and veterinary directorate sent to the relevant authorities in Pakistan. The Karachi Fish Harbour Authority as well as the Marine Fisheries Department must marshal their resources, and seek additional help from the government if required, to take the necessary corrective measures.