16 January 2005	Sunday	05 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Jan 15: An inspection mission from European Union will visit Karachi Fish Harbour from January 25 to February 2, 2005 to re-asses the quality of seafood production and packaging.

According to Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA) here on Saturday, the mission would evaluate whether the production of fish and fisheries products being exported to EU countries could still be considered as equivalent to the commodity requirements of the Council Directive of the EU.

The evaluation will cover the entire fisheries products including production chain, vessels, landing areas, auctions, establishment, potable water, ice facilities, shrimp peeling facilities, surrounding environment.

In this regard, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Fisheries Muhammad Jadam Mangrio which reviewed the sanitary conditions of the fish harbour.

The adviser asked KFHA to take all efforts for the maintenance of hygienic condition at fish harbour and said that the forthcoming visit of EU mission would be crucial and important for fisheries sector.

He hoped that this mission would prove successful and beneficial for Pakistani fisheries sector and seafood exports to EU countries. KFHA Managing Director Dr Nawaz Baloch briefed the advisor about the development work being carried out at the fish harbour. Later, the advisor also took round of the fish harbour to inspect the sanitation condition. -APP