Islamabad: Exports of fish and seafood from Pakistan have exceeded the $500 million benchmark for the first time, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced, marking a significant milestone for the country’s maritime sector and blue economy.
According to Press Information Department, this achievement came 46 days before the fiscal year-end, meeting the government’s target ahead of schedule. The minister credited the success to government reforms, enhanced facilitation, and expansion into new markets. Coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Marine Fisheries Department, and other stakeholders were praised for improving quality standards, modernizing the fisheries sector, and enhancing international market access.
The minister highlighted the recent approval of Pakistani fish and seafood for entry into the Russian market, with 16 companies authorized to export. This development is expected to pave the way into the broader Eurasian Economic Union, potentially increasing annual seafood exports to $800 million, with initial exports to Russia alone projected to generate $300 million in revenue.
Chaudhry emphasized the strategic utilization of sea, air, and land routes, pointing out cost-effective opportunities via overland corridors to Central Asia amid rising demand in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
The marine fisheries sector demonstrated robust growth in the first half of fiscal 2025-26, exporting 122,629 metric tonnes valued at $253.24 million, a 19.1% increase in volume and 21.6% increase in value compared to the same period the previous year. Frozen fish, shrimps, prawns, and cuttlefish were leading export categories, while diversification efforts expanded shipments to new markets.
China remained the largest market, importing over 83,602 tonnes worth $149.2 million, followed by Thailand and other countries. Monthly export momentum was notably high in November and December, with significant non-tax revenue generated from the fisheries sector.
Pakistan also secured a four-year extension for seafood exports to the United States, following a classification by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enhancing the sector’s long-term prospects.
The minister announced plans for a 100-acre seafood processing and export zone at Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority, aiming to boost the blue economy and global trade role. The project, estimated at $60-80 million, will include processing units, cold storage, and additional facilities to support value-added processing and export-grade packaging.