The decision puts an end to a six year long voluntary ban of exports of seafood products to the EU. PHOTO: ARIF SOOMRO
The European Union (EU) has decided to resume imports of Pakistani seafood to its markets, marking another step forward in improving EU-Pakistan relations, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the EU ambassador.
The decision puts an end to a six year long voluntary ban of exports of seafood products to the EU by the Marine Fisheries Department of Pakistan.
The voluntary ban imposed by the fisheries department was the result of the EU Food and Veterinary Office identifying serious deficiencies in the official control system for seafood, including the traceability and hygiene at various stages of the industrial process.
Starting from March 12, two major companies which have been approved by the Marine Fisheries Department will begin exporting the products. Other local companies can then seek to be certified to export seafood to the European bloc, which is Pakistan’s largest trading partner.
“This is a real breakthrough that should also inspire other industries in Pakistan to increase their exports to EU markets,” said the EU Ambassador to Pakistan Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.
“It is the result of the EU’s and Pakistan’s joint efforts to facilitate increased trade by meeting EU product standards. Resuming Pakistani seafood exports to the EU will further promote our already strong bilateral trade relations and support job creation in Pakistan,” he added.
Ambassador Wigemark noted that when the ban was introduced in 2007, Pakistani seafood exports to EU markets stood at 50 million euro (Rs6.5 billion) per year.
He stated that there was potential for the figure to rise. Trade in fisheries products will also promote trade diversification – exports to Europe have so far remained focused on textiles.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2013.x
COMMENTS (4)
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How does this import/export 'trade' help the already depleated oceans? The reverse ought to be carried out. No fishing. The way and the rate at which the oceans and the resources are being plundered, there will be nothing left for the future to live on except your precious nuclear bombs. Not even rare, priceless specimens are spared. Marine reserves should be set up to protect this fragile environment from ruthless exploitation, as a matter of urgency among other projects to be tabled for consideration. The EU already throws away 2 billion tonnes of food, part of its 'food security' policy and is already mired in meat processing scandal, deemed unregulated and Pakistan's population has exploded. Changes in food at Pakistan's end should be looked into with seriousness.
This is good news for the fisheries and fishermen. The onus is now on the Marine Fisheries Department to build a good repo in the EU markets. @KM more often than not, I think it is going to be a 1 Euro fish due to closer proximity to Pakistan.
So its going to be 1 Pound FIsh ?
Welcoming news for Pakistan.