KARACHI, Nov 30: The head of delegation of the European Commission during a visit to the Karachi Fish Harbour (KFH) has noticed “impressive progress” and a marked improvement according to international standards there.

The EC representative, Bathasar Benz, accompanied by Pakistani fisheries officials visited the harbour on Tuesday to inspect its hygienic conditions and seafood industry, and also steps being taken by the government for the harbour’s improvement and upgradation.

The officials briefed the EC delegation about the quality standard being followed at the harbour and in the seafood industry, said a KFH statement.

The statement said the EC lauded the KFH Authority (KFHA), Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) and efforts of other institutions for maintaining hygienic conditions at the harbour.

Approximately 54 per cent of the total export of Pakistan’s seafood is exported to the European Union countries.

During the briefing, the EC representatives were apprised of the system being adopted for landing, handling, transportation and auction of fish catch. He was also informed that modification of fishing boats (Hela boats), traditional wooden boats, was underway as per specifications of the Marine Fisheries Department duly authorized by the EU.

Dr Baz Mohammad, Secretary Fisheries informed the visiting dignitary that the KFHA with the assistance of all major stakeholders including the Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) and seafood processors was making all-out efforts to maintain hygienic conditions at the harbour.

The head of EC delegation lauded the efforts in maintaining the Karachi Fish Harbour as per international standards and termed it an impressive progress.

Besides Secretary Fisheries, Managing Director of the KFHA Dr Mohammad Nawaz Baloch, DG Marine Fisheries Department Commodore S.Q. Raza, member Managing Committee FCS Shujaat Ali Qarni and other senior officials were also present.