China will start again the import of aquatic products from Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand and Indonesia.
China had suspended the import of aquatic products from some eight overseas suppliers last year as their safety and hygiene controls did not comply with its requirements for imports and their anti-epidemic measures did not comply with the Covid-19 control measures issued by the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization.
The consumption of sea food has been increasing in China. The main exporters of aquatic products to China are Russia, Australia and Argentina.
The Director of China Aquatic Products Processing and marketing Alliance, Cui He told the media, The rise in seafood importers reflects a boost in Chinas consumption. It also stems from Chinese customers pursuit of quality products which some overseas companies can provide.
He said that it will continue to strengthen the management of the safety of imported food.
According to the report of International Trade Centre, Chinas import of sea food increased by 35 percent to $19.13 billion. Out of total fishery exports, 60 percent are exported to China from Pakistan.
Dr. Saeed Murtaza Hassan Andravi, the Director Animal Science Institute NARC, Islamabad says that Fishery is big emerging industry in Pakistan. Although its share in GDP is less than one percent yet it provides employment to a vast population of the country.
Since aquatic product got tariff concession under the second phase of China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), implemented in December 2019, Pakistans fishery industry started flourishing.
Most of Pakistani aquatic exports are captured fishes. Unlike processed products, they face the issue of uncertainties.
The countrys fishermen still depend on the traditional tools of catching fishes. If they are provided the modern tools, the number of caught