FAO Representative Mina Dowlatchahi met with the delegation of Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Friday 12 July 2019 the FAO representation office in Islamabad. Mr. Rizwan Ahmed, Secretary, and Ms. Shazia Rizvi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Maritime affairs discussed ways to improve the Catch fisheries sector in Pakistan with the FAOR.

Secretary Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) informed that the welfare of Fisherman and Woman was a top priority for the Ministry and requested FAO to support Ministry in developing pilot fisherman villages to promote sustainable business model.

Mr. Rizwan Ahmed stated that 80 percent of the Tuna caught in Pakistani water goes in trash due to lack of Cold Chain facilities. He also discussed the upgradation of shipping vessels, entailing “less labor to earn more and less fishing for more sustainable fishing in future”.

MoMA has requested JICA for supporting the infrastructure improvement in Korangi Fish Harbour, modernizing the Auction Hall, establishing Cold Chain and Business Park at the harbor. He requested support from FAO on the normative part of developing Fisheries Policy, including the Analysis of Parts State Measure for Pakistan.

FAOR Mina Dowlatchahi informed the Secretary that FAO Pakistan was using core funding in funding two TCPs that focus on Sector Review and introducing new fish and shrimp verities. She assured the secretary of FAO Pakistan’s ongoing support to the implementation of all initiatives by MoMA.