Pakistan is aiming to boost seafood exports to $600 million in the upcoming financial year. Federal officials and private exporters are engaging Chinese partners to open new markets and bring advanced technology into the fisheries sector.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, speaking in Beijing, said signing agreements with Chinese firms will strengthen aquaculture collaboration and enhance exports. He highlighted that Pakistan has already crossed $465 million in seafood exports during FY2024–25. Live mud crabs and lobsters are leading products, with Pakistan ranking as the world’s third-largest mud crab exporter.
Exporters shared ambitious expansion plans with the minister. Arabian Sea Products is developing advanced holding systems for live crabs and lobsters with Chinese partners. These systems could extend seafood survival to three weeks, making long-distance exports to China more efficient. The company stressed that technology transfer and investment from Chinese firms are crucial for success.
Other exporters also presented proposals. Legend International (Pvt) Ltd is planning a joint venture with a Chinese company for value-added frozen seafood and poultry products. The firm already operates a large certified facility in Karachi. Similarly, Karim Impex and Perfect Food Industries expressed interest in expanding seafood and freeze-dried food exports to China and beyond.
Minister Chaudhry noted that Pakistan’s cold chain and frozen food infrastructure is expanding quickly, providing a strong base for future seafood processing and preservation plants. He emphasized that market demand and international interest show clear potential for Pakistan to emerge as a regional hub for seafood exports.