The government of Sindh province in Pakistan has begun implementing the necessary steps to increase its exports of seafood to the European Union despite an existing ban on exports of shrimp and various fish species.

Muhammad Ali Malkani, Sindh Minister for for Livestock and Fisheries, explained that efforts are being exerted to meet EU standards, which would then lead to a lifting of the ban.

He said these efforts include ensuring the availability of hatcheries within the province where seeds are sown for later release into rivers “at the government level.”

However, Malkani also highlighted that no direct subsidies have been given to local factories that are set up for export, though other forms of assistance have been provided.

Other issues impacting Sindh’s seafood industry are boats in dire need of maintenance, widespread use of banned gear such as nets, and the lack of cold storage facilities as well as other facilities for assisting fishers. Malkani assured that assistance will continue to be provided to Sindh fishermen despite his ministry’s limited resources.