Muneeb ur Rehman

Pakistan’s trade in fishery products is expected to increase with incorporation of Marine Fisheries Department into Pakistan Customs' digitalisation initiative, said a senior official.

“This integration will result in streamlined clearance and logistics procedures, leading to improved facilitation,” said Khisrao Kalim, Director General of Fisheries Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while talking to WealthPK. He said the laborious procedures involving documentation, boarding of traded goods, and freight clearance have posed significant challenges to the trade of fishery products. He said the digitisation of Marine Fisheries Department is a commendable measure towards attaining trade advantages and overcoming these obstacles.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the total exports of fish and crustaceans for FY23 were $378.689 million.

It showed a growth of 15.17% when compared to $328.786 million in FY22 . He added that in addition to Customs, multiple departments, such as the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), play a role in different aspects of fisheries trade. He said the introduction of a unified central digital platform for all these relevant departments holds great promise in minimising obstacles faced during fisheries-related exports. This advancement will bring forth a novel, streamlined, and cost-efficient system, offering traders a hassle-free experience and expediting trade processes to a great extent.

Khisrao said it is a vital step for exchanging trade-related data with trading partners and private stakeholders.

“Digitalisation will not only enable the sharing of data with our trading partners, but also provide valuable information to private investors who may be considering entering the fisheries sector,” he said. During FY23, the fisheries sector experienced a modest growth rate of 1.4%, indicating a sluggish performance. “The primary functionality of the digitalisation is to allow participants engaged in global trade to submit uniform data and paperwork through a central platform, fulfilling the regulatory obligations of various governmental bodies at once,” said the official.

While highlighting immense export potential within the fisheries sector, he emphasised the need for domestic strategies that focus on achieving higher growth in the industry, while simultaneously promoting value-addition. “The initiative will bring benefits to various stakeholders involved in the fisheries supply chain, including logistic companies, clearing agents, and freight dealers,” Khisrao said.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk