LAHORE: China has a huge consumer market for aquatic products and is one of the largest buyers in Pakistan. The main aquatic categories of Pakistan’s exports to China included; ribbon fish, croakers, sole fish, cuttle fish, etc. Pakistan’s seafood exports to China reached $ 247.3 million, marking a 13% increase for the January-December period in 2023 year-on-year.

It can be increased to $ 600 or $ 700 million, stated by Moazzam Ghurki, President Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) during a meeting held recently at PCJCCI Secretariat.

Fang Yulong, Senior Vice President PCJCCI said that Pakistani fishing industry is hugely attractive to Chinese investors, and the Pakistani fishing community welcomes Chinese investors as they can get jobs and good prices from foreign investors. In order to improve its exports, we are ready to transfer our technological advancements to Pakistan. China by collaborating with the Pakistani government can ask its quality experts of aquatic products to visit Pakistan fishery and give their suggestions to the Pakistani government regarding cold chain food safety.

Hamza Khalid, Vice President PCJCCI shared his views by saying that in order to maintain better product quality, seafood should be kept at minus 18 to 20 in modern cold storage, but many exporters do not have such facilities. China is willing to encourage Pakistani exporters who want to establish flake ice factories, processing units adopting modern technology.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI added that it is necessary to educate the fishermen to come back from fishing in 6 days to maintain the good quality of their catches. China by collaboration with the Pakistani government can start awareness programmes, training and workshops for exporters and common fishermen.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024