ISLAMABAD, May 23: The Centre and the Sindh government have agreed, in principle, to evaluate a suggestion by the Competitiveness Support Fund for bringing in an internationally renowned fish harbour management through a competitive bidding process to upgrade the Karachi Fish Harbour.

The CSF -- a joint initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Finance -- would provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock and the Sindh Fisheries Department for a better management of the harbour.The harbour has faced problems regarding fish quality and maintenance of sanitary and hygienic standards.

Last year, the CSF had conducted an analysis of various stakeholders’ needs and management options and it was agreed that the cost of interventions would be split between the Centre and the province.

As part of its assistance to Balochistan, the CSF is also preparing a brief for the fisheries department concerned on development of fish exporting and processing industries, particularly in Gwadar and Pasni regions.

The support for CSF is part of the $1.5 billion in aid that the US is providing through USAID to Pakistan over five years to improve economic growth, education, health, governance and for earthquake reconstruction.

Pakistan has a fish and seafood industry worth approximately $1.2 billion and exports alone were worth nearly $200 million while more than 800,000 people rely on the industry for their livelihoods.

The industry, however, is suffering from over-fishing that is reducing the resource base and yields, and from poor quality control that is reducing the catch value.