Provincial Minister for Forests and Fisheries, Malik Muhammad Asif Bha Awan has said that promotion of investment by private and public partnership and private sector in Fisheries sector is one of the top priorities of the government and Fisheries Department is extending all out technical assistance to private fish farmers.
He expressed these views while talking to media-men at the inauguration of 5th International Fisheries Symposium at a local hotel, here today. Head of Food and Agriculture Organization Fisheries Division Dr. Lahsen Ababouch, Additional Secretary Fisheries Mian Muhammad Ibrar, Director General Fisheries Dr. Muhammad Ayub besides other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Provincial Minister said that aim of this symposium is to gather foreign and local experts, researchers, scientists, fish farmers and people associated with trade on one platform so that experiences and ideas relating to fisheries industry could be exchanged and problems faced by this sector be resolved on scientific lines. Malik Muhamad Asif Bha Awan said that Fisheries Department has started the project based on feasibility of setting up of Aquaculture Processing Zone. He said that Punjab government will provide all out cooperation and facilities to private sector investors in setting up of Aquaculture Technology Park and Export Processing Zone. He also stressed the need for production of export quality fish in Pakistan so that foreign exchange could be earned through sale of fish in international market. He said that our scientists are very talented and have the capability of organizing Aquaculture on modern lines.
Head of Food and Agriculture Organization Fisheries Division Dr. Lahsen Ababouch said that his institution has started Initiative Blue Growth Programme for food security and poverty alleviation and being a member country, Pakistan should take part in this programme for supporting fisheries sector.Additional Secretary Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Department Mian Muhammad Ibrar appreciated the efforts of Fisheries Department Punjab and Pakistan Fisheries Society for holding international symposium. Earlier, DG Fisheries Dr. Muhammad Ayub also spoke on the occasion.
