KARACHI:

Pakistan-origin seafood products are now being sold on European supermarket shelves, demonstrating the country’s growing capability to meet stringent quality and food-safety standards, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

Speaking during a visit by a high-level Chinese delegation and other distinguished guests to Sea Green Enterprises, CEO Asim Abrar said the development proves that Pakistan’s seafood has the quality and potential to compete in international markets when properly processed, packaged and handled according to European standards. Abrar said Pakistan possesses significant potential in seafood exports and, with the right infrastructure, investment, modern processing facilities and value addition, the sector could potentially generate $1-2 billion in exports.

He expressed appreciation to the Marine Fisheries Department, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and all relevant government departments whose cooperation contributed to enabling Pakistan-origin seafood to access highly regulated international markets. The achievement by Sea Green Enterprises is being viewed as an important example of Pakistani seafood successfully entering premium international retail markets, demonstrating the untapped potential of the fisheries industry.