Gwadar Port has the capacity to yield over $850 million annually through enhanced fisheries and date exports, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced Friday. This projection hinges on continued investment, strategic policies, and infrastructure improvements.
Chairing a high-level meeting focused on Gwadar Port”s operations, Chaudhry outlined a comprehensive plan to bolster economic engagements in the area. Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and representatives from related ministries and organizations such as the Gwadar Port Authority, Commerce, Industries, and Communication. The meeting utilized video conferencing technology. The minister reiterated the government”s dedication to leveraging local assets and empowering area businesses to optimize the port”s operations and invigorate the regional economy.
He highlighted fisheries and dates as primary economic engines for the region. ‘Gwadar possesses substantial potential for fish harvests, and we must prioritize local value enhancement to maximize returns,’ he stated.
Chaudhry noted that while 34 fish processing facilities are currently functional in Balochistan, many need technological advancements to comply with export requirements. ‘Modernizing these facilities to increase worth through packaging and processing before export is crucial for elevating the industry,’ he explained.
The minister observed that Balochistan”s coastline constitutes 76.2% of Pakistan’s total coast, yet its fish output falls considerably short of its potential. ‘Balochistan possesses an estimated yearly fish harvest capacity of roughly 300,000 tons. With proper value addition, this could create approximately $645 million each year. Present output, however, is almost half of that due to constrained fishing capabilities, dated equipment, and regulatory obstacles,’ he explained.
Shifting focus to date cultivation, the minister stated that Panjgur and Turbat (Kech) districts collectively yield over 225,000 tons of dates yearly-over half of Pakistan’s total. ‘With value enhancement, the business can produce up to $200-$205 million in income annually,’ he noted.
To bolster commerce and access in the area, the minister revealed initiatives to enhance air transport. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will augment its weekly trips to Gwadar from one to three. ‘Two weekly journeys between Gwadar and Karachi and one between Gwadar and Islamabad are being evaluated,’ he said. Moreover, the prospect of launching a chartered aircraft system to ease travel for business professionals and financiers is also being explored.