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Maritime minister advocates global partnerships

Maritime minister advocates global partnerships

Express Tribune5 days ago
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Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasised the critical need to build strong partnerships with global organisations to safeguard marine ecosystems and effectively address escalating environmental challenges along Pakistan's coastline.
He shared these views during a meeting with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Country Representative Mahmood Akhtar Cheema. IUCN is a global organisation working for the conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources.
The discussion focused on enhancing collaboration to conserve Pakistan's marine and coastal biodiversity while promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector.
The maritime minister highlighted the severe pressure being exerted on coastal areas by climate change and stressed the urgent need for mobilising climate finance to fund biodiversity conservation projects.
He stated that such efforts were essential not only for fulfilling Pakistan's international environmental commitments but also for strengthening resilience in coastal communities vulnerable to climate impacts.
Junaid Anwar requested IUCN's technical support for implementing the Astola Island Management Plan and acknowledged the organisation's role in refining the national maritime policy.
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Govt eyes $200m from tuna exports
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Govt eyes $200m from tuna exports

Listen to article Pakistan is poised to gain $200 million from the export of tuna fish in the coming years due to an overhaul of the industry. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has announced that Pakistan's tuna sector is set for a $200 million boost following global quota allocations and regulatory reforms. For the first time, Pakistan has secured a tuna fishing quota of 25,000 metric tonnes from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), comprising 15,000 tonnes of Yellowfin Tuna and 10,000 tonnes of Skipjack Tuna, according to an official press release. These quotas are aligned with climate-conscious fisheries management principles aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and reducing pressure on ocean ecosystems. "This is a landmark achievement that promises significant foreign exchange earnings," the minister said. "With international prices for these tuna species ranging between $5 and $7 per kilogram, and potentially higher with value-added processing, the economic potential is enormous." Calling the development "a turning point for Pakistan's tuna sector," Chaudhry noted that although the country currently catches more than 45,000 metric tonnes of tuna each year, much of this high-value resource has been escaping the formal economy due to unregulated operations. To capture the full economic value of the resource, the minister highlighted that "a series of reforms have been launched," including the introduction of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, aimed at unifying fragmented regulatory frameworks while promoting environmentally sound and revenue-generating fishing techniques. "This policy framework supports Pakistan's obligations under international climate and marine conservation agreements," the federal minister stated. He also announced a major milestone for Pakistan, noting that for the first time in the 28-year history of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), a senior official from Pakistan's Ministry of Maritime Affairs has been elected as Chair of its Standing Committee on Administration and Finance, a significant step in strengthening Pakistan's role in global tuna governance. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an intergovernmental body comprising 30-member countries, established under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Its mandate is to manage tuna and related species in the Indian Ocean by promoting sustainable use through scientific research, quota distribution, and regulatory frameworks. As part of broader adaptation efforts, the minister said destructive fishing methods such as gillnetting and trawling are being phased out, replaced with more selective and environmentally friendly longlining techniques. "This transition reduces bycatch and supports ocean health in the face of climate-driven stressors such as warming waters and changing migration patterns," he added. The FAO has backed this initiative by providing 10 longline fishing kits free of charge for demonstration purposes to local fishing communities. This transition is expected to increase product value from an average of $2 to $8 per kilogram, the minister noted. He stated that further reforms encompassed the revision of certification and testing fees for seafood exports, resulting in a revenue increase from Rs48 million to Rs250 million. Additionally, infrastructure initiatives have been launched, including the revitalisation of Korangi Fisheries Harbour with the construction of a new auction hall and floating jetty, aimed at enhancing tuna landings and boosting exports, particularly to the European Union. The minister stated that Pakistan's tuna sector now stands at the threshold of a major economic shift. With quotas secured, regulatory reforms underway, and international cooperation growing, the country is poised to become a key player in the global tuna trade, ushering in a new era of sustainable growth and foreign exchange generation for the fisheries sector.

Maritime minister advocates global partnerships
Maritime minister advocates global partnerships

Express Tribune

time5 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Maritime minister advocates global partnerships

Listen to article Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasised the critical need to build strong partnerships with global organisations to safeguard marine ecosystems and effectively address escalating environmental challenges along Pakistan's coastline. He shared these views during a meeting with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Country Representative Mahmood Akhtar Cheema. IUCN is a global organisation working for the conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources. The discussion focused on enhancing collaboration to conserve Pakistan's marine and coastal biodiversity while promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector. The maritime minister highlighted the severe pressure being exerted on coastal areas by climate change and stressed the urgent need for mobilising climate finance to fund biodiversity conservation projects. He stated that such efforts were essential not only for fulfilling Pakistan's international environmental commitments but also for strengthening resilience in coastal communities vulnerable to climate impacts. Junaid Anwar requested IUCN's technical support for implementing the Astola Island Management Plan and acknowledged the organisation's role in refining the national maritime policy.

Proposed ferry service between Gwadar, Oman: Govt to earn estimated $10–15bn annually: Minister
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stands to earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through maritime operations linked to a proposed ferry service between Gwadar and Oman, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said during a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi. The two sides discussed fast-tracking the ferry service launch, sharing marine expertise, and boosting bilateral trade and connectivity in the maritime sector. The minister emphasised that the ferry project could unlock multi-billion-dollar opportunities through expanded trade, investment inflows, tourism, and regional transit revenue. He noted that Pakistan's current exports to Oman via ports stood at approximately $224 million in 2024 and stressed the importance of scaling up this figure through joint initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. The minister also offered education and training opportunities for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status, to promote long-term cooperation in maritime education and capacity building. Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the deep-rooted cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties between the two nations. He noted the strong presence of Urdu in Oman and lauded the role of the Pakistani diaspora in the Sultanate's development. The ambassador also called for greater business-to-business engagements to boost trade and investment. Minister Chaudhry said the growing partnership reflects a shared vision for regional prosperity, sustainable development, and stronger people-to-people linkages. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

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