Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs outlines plans for a 100-acre mariculture estate.
- The project includes zones for mariculture, hatcheries, research, and commercial services.
- Aims to boost fisheries production, promote exports, and create economic opportunities.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has announced plans to establish a 100-acre Mariculture Investment and Development Estate (MIDE) at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA).
The estate will integrate mariculture and aquaculture operations with hatcheries, research and innovation, processing, value addition, cold-chain facilities, and commercial services under a single development framework.
The proposed project will have four principal zones: a 30-acre mariculture zone, a 20-acre hatchery zone, a 20-acre aqua research park, and a 20-acre commercial district.
According to the minister, the development of a modern mariculture ecosystem can help Pakistan move towards higher-value fisheries production, strengthen aquatic seed production, and promote value addition and export-oriented activities.
The hatchery zone will support advanced aquatic seed production, while the research park will provide facilities for research, innovation, and training.
The estate will also include processing and cold-chain infrastructure, commercial and hospitality facilities, sustainable infrastructure, and green spaces.
The proposed infrastructure will comprise an internal road network, power and renewable-energy facilities, water supply and treatment systems, wastewater treatment, information and communication technology, smart-estate management, security and surveillance, and green belts and landscaping.
Chaudhry emphasized that the initiative is aimed at attracting investment, increasing exports, generating employment, and promoting technology and innovation as part of the country’s blue economy.
He stated, 'Investing in modern marine infrastructure and technology is essential for building a sustainable blue economy and creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities.'
