President of Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain has said that Pakistan has the potential of being a major producer of seafood, which cannot only feed a growing population but can also earn valuable foreign exchange and create jobs. “Fish is a major source of nutrition and contributes to the food security and poverty alleviation while fish consumption in Pakistan is among the lowest in the world at around 2 kilograms per capita, compared to a world average of almost 20 kg per capita,” he said. Mian Zahid further said that Pakistan had a total coastline of 1,120 km, covering Makran as well as the coast of Karachi and a total fishing area of approximately 300,270 sq. Kilometres. “These areas are highly rich in marine life with a vast variety of species. More marine fisheries resources remain to be explored and developed,” he said, adding that raw fishes that were exported last year worth Rs 61 million and this amount could be increased manifold after adding value to it. The PBIF president said that there are around 200 organised and 1200 informal units in this sector that provided direct and indirect jobs to around a million people but exports were not picking up due to multiple issues. “The substandard boats, substandard wooden containers and leaked oil from machines are some issues that need attention,” he said, adding that increasing pollution, domestic and industrial waste, traces of toxic materials in fish, over-fishing even in breeding season, and illegal fishing are also matters of concern. Mian Zahid said that government should ensure availability of quality fish seed in the marked and for inland farming, provide financing facility, improve certification and marketing system to make this industry thrive and improve exports. He proposed to the government to consult Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PFEA) and Fisheries Development Board (FDB) because they are doing a good job in this. He said that Pakistan had a good domestic and an international market for fish, shrimps and fish products.