Gwadar and Karachi Visit of T&IC Team

Trade & Industry team visited Gwadar and met with key stakeholder in fisheries sector including Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Gwadar Fisheries Department, Gwadar Free Zone, different Navy Officials and Chinese Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC). Team visited Gwadar Fisheries Department and Fish Harbour Gwadar where briefly discussed Gwadar fisheries current status, issues, future challenges and prospects. Also, facilitation to be provided to business ventures and sorts of incentives offered to local as well as foreign investors.

Dr. Ahsan Abbas (SRF), and Ms. Shaista Mumtaz (Research Assistant) met with Mr. Ahmad Nadeem (Deputy Director Fisheries) and Mr. Iqbal Abdullah (Assistant Director Fisheries) at Gwadar Fisheries Department office, Gwadar. Mr. Ahmad Nadeem gave brief introduction to fisheries sector, different fish species, their commercial importance and various government projects so far taken. Mr Iqbal provided recent data on fishery production, export and local fishermen population. They also highlighted problems hindering sector’s potential and possible measures to boost the growth of the industry.

The team visited Karachi Fish Harbour where Mr. Haji Ahmed Memon (Managing Director) Anees Ahmed Soomro (Deputy Director) and Mr. Intekhab Hussain (Harbour Master) briefly talked about daily fish freight details, infrastructure and sale-purchase mechanism at harbour.  They also offered brief visit to harbour but I could not be realised due to shortage of time.

Another important meeting held at PMSA Karachi, law enforcing agency that ensures the safety and security of fishermen and deep-sea fishing activities. Commander Sarfraz Ahmed informed about the maritime security issues and enforcement measures the agency is responsible to carry out. He also gave presentation about the functions, various concepts of maritime affairs and different federal, provincial and international jurisdictions.