Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in its fisheries sector, with seafood exports crossing $500 million for the first time.
Officials say the target for the current fiscal year was reached 46 days earlier than expected, reflecting strong growth in the country’s blue economy and increasing international demand for Pakistani seafood.
The rise in exports has been linked to government reforms, improved support for exporters, and efforts to enter new international markets.
One of the biggest developments is Pakistan receiving approval to export seafood to Russia for the first time, with 16 local companies now authorized to ship products there. Authorities believe exports to Russia alone could eventually generate around $300 million annually.
Officials expect total seafood exports to increase further and potentially reach $800 million per year as Pakistan expands trade with Russia, Central Asia, and other international regions.
To strengthen processing capacity and improve export quality, plans are underway to establish a 100-acre seafood processing and export zone at Korangi Fisheries Harbour.
The project is expected to include modern processing units, cold storage facilities, blast-freezing systems, ice plants, and export-standard packaging infrastructure.
Recent data also showed strong growth in the sector. During the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, Pakistan exported over 122,000 metric tonnes of seafood, showing a notable increase in both volume and value compared to the previous year.
China remained the largest buyer of Pakistani seafood, while Thailand also continued importing processed shrimp and prawns. Products such as frozen fish, shrimp, prawns, and cuttlefish contributed significantly to export earnings.
Officials believe these developments could strengthen Pakistan’s global position in seafood trade, create economic opportunities, and support long-term growth in the maritime sector.