'Gwadar can generate $850m from fish, dates'

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that with consistent investment, strategic policymaking, and improved infrastructure, Gwadar Port has the potential to generate over $850 million annually from value-added fisheries and date exports.

According to an official statement released on Friday, the minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting on Gwadar Port's operationalisation. Officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and representatives from other relevant ministries and organisations, including the Gwadar Port Authority, Commerce, Industries, and Communication, joined via Zoom.

The minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to boost Gwadar's economic activities. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to using local resources and empowering businesses to operationalise the port and stimulate the regional economy.

He emphasised that fisheries and dates are the region's main economic drivers. "Gwadar has a rich fish catch potential. We must focus on local value addition to maximise benefits," he said.

The statement noted that 34 fish processing units are operating in Balochistan, but most need technological upgrades to meet export standards. "Transforming these units through packaging and processing before exporting is critical for uplifting the sector," the minister added.

Balochistan's coastline accounts for 76.2% of Pakistan's total, but its fish production is far below potential.

"Balochistan has an estimated annual fish catch potential of around 300,000 tonnes. With proper value addition, this could generate approximately $645 million each year. However, current production is nearly half of that due to limited fishing capacity, obsolete technology, and regulatory hurdles," he stated.

Turning to dates production, the minister stated that Panjgur and Turbat (Kech) produce over 225,000 tonnes of dates yearly, more than half of Pakistan's total. "With value addition, the sector can generate up to $200-$205 million in revenue each year," he said.

To improve connectivity, PIA will increase weekly Gwadar flights from one to three. A chartered flight mechanism for investors is also under review.