Pakistan's Blue Economy Boost: Minister Announces State-of-the-Art Aquaculture Park in Karachi

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has unveiled a significant investment in Pakistan's blue economy with the development of a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour in Karachi. The project, estimated to cost 3 billion rupees, aims to enhance the country's maritime industry and economic prospects. The 120-acre park is expected to yield between 360 to 1,200 tons of produce annually, generating revenues between $720,000 and $7.2 million each year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Aquaculture Park is expected to yield between 360 to 1,200 tons of produce annually, depending on cultivated species and farming methods.
  • The project is estimated to cost 3 billion rupees and has the potential to generate revenues between $720,000 and $7.2 million each year.
  • The Minister emphasized the importance of developing the project through a public-private partnership to bolster sustainable aquaculture and enhance the blue economy.
  • The land for the park has been priced affordably to attract private investors, and experts have highlighted Pakistan's coastal waters as favorable conditions for aquaculture.
  • Minister Chaudhry directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to expedite the project by submitting a comprehensive execution report within ten days.
  • He also suggested replicating the aquaculture model in Balochistan, leveraging the region's extensive coastline for sustainable marine farming.
  • The Minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department's sub-office to the Gwadar Port Authority's premises to improve coordination and streamline decision-making processes.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of the Aquaculture Park: 3 billion rupees
  • Potential annual revenue: $720,000 to $7.2 million
  • Annual produce: 360 to 1,200 tons
  • Total land area: 120 acres
  • Forecasted time for submission of comprehensive execution report: 10 days

Sources:

  • [PPI-PR]