PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s fisheries sector is poised for a digital boost, thanks to the integration of the Marine Fisheries Department into Pakistan Customs’ digitalization initiative. The move is expected to streamline clearance and logistics procedures, leading to improved facilitation for the industry.
The trade of fishery products has been hindered by laborious procedures involving documentation, boarding of traded goods, and freight clearance. By digitizing the Marine Fisheries Department, Pakistan Customs aims to address these obstacles and achieve trade advantages.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that fish and crustacean exports for FY23 amounted to $378.689 million, reflecting a growth rate of 15.17% compared to the previous fiscal year’s $328.786 million.
In addition to Customs, other departments such as the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) are involved in various aspects of fisheries trade. The introduction of a unified central digital platform for all relevant departments is expected to minimize trade obstacles, promoting efficient and cost-effective systems that expedite trade processes.
Khisrao Kalim, Director General of the Fisheries Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department, highlighted the importance of digitalization for exchanging trade-related data with trading partners and private stakeholders. He noted that it would enable the sharing of information with partners while providing valuable insights to potential private investors considering entering the fisheries sector.
During FY23, the fisheries sector experienced a modest growth rate of 1.4%, indicating a sluggish performance. To counter this, domestic strategies focusing on achieving higher growth and promoting value-addition within the industry are crucial.
The official emphasized that the primary function of digitalization is to enable participants engaged in global trade to submit uniform data and paperwork through a central platform. This approach simplifies compliance with the regulatory obligations of various governmental bodies simultaneously.
The digitalization initiative is expected to benefit various stakeholders in the fisheries supply chain, including logistic companies, clearing agents, and freight dealers, by offering a hassle-free experience and facilitating smoother trade operations.
As Pakistan progresses towards digitalizing its fisheries sector, the industry is poised to harness its export potential and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
