ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fish and seafood exports climbed 74.4 per cent to $125.4 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, underscoring the growing contribution of the fisheries sector to export earnings and the coastal economy.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Monday that seafood export receipts had risen from $71.9 million in the corresponding period last year.
Export volumes have also recorded strong growth. Shipments rose from 35,294 metric tonnes in the first quarter of FY2023-24 to 43,995 metric tonnes in the same period of FY2024-25 and 61,679 metric tonnes in the first quarter of FY2025-26.
The minister said the increase in both export value and volume reflected stronger demand for Pakistani fisheries products in international markets and highlighted the sector’s growing role in the blue economy.
He said fisheries remained particularly important for coastal communities, supporting livelihoods while generating foreign exchange through exports.
Chaudhry also highlighted the performance of the Maritime Fisheries Department, saying the sector generated record export earnings of $568 million during FY2025-26.
Expanding access to international markets remains a key priority, he said, pointing to the opening of the Russian market as an important development for the industry.
The minister said efforts to restore shrimp exports to the United States and revive the fisheries licensing system within Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone could further strengthen the sector while supporting sustainable use of marine resources.
He stressed that institutional, technical and capacity constraints would need to be addressed if Pakistan is to expand its presence in higher-value seafood markets, particularly the European Union.
Chaudhry also called for the revival of the Fisheries Training Centre to strengthen technical skills, professional standards and compliance with international fisheries and seafood safety requirements.
Improved training for fishermen, boat operators, fisheries specialists and other stakeholders, he said, could help raise standards in seafood quality, safety and traceability and make Pakistani products more competitive internationally.
The minister said the government would continue efforts to modernise the fisheries sector, improve sustainable management of marine resources and widen access to overseas markets.