Pakistan earns a decent amount of foreign exchange through its seafood export. However, Kuwaiti ban on Pakistani seafood has dealt a blow for the seafood industry of Pakistan. Kuwait has imposed a total ban on Pakistani seafood products after receiving a seafood consignment from Pakistan which was below standard according to Kuwaiti authority. Kuwait Times wrote:
“Pakistan's seafood exports may face a $30 million loss this fiscal year following a ban on Pakistani seafood imports by Kuwait on health grounds, officials and traders said over the weekend. They fear the Gulf state's move, triggered by a single below standard quality consignment, could make other exporters suffer as the Kuwaiti authorities appear strict to keep the ban continued for an indefinite period. "We have not yet approached the Kuwaiti authorities," said Tariq Ikram, chairman, Export Promotion Bureau.”
Kuwait is not among the major importers of Pakistani seafood products. So, the ban will not adversely affect the Pakistani exporters. However, the main worry is that the major importers like EU countries may become sensitive and that would really hurt the Pakistani seafood industry.
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