Pakistani officials are aiming for a substantial increase in seafood exports, targeting $600 million in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced during a meeting with Pakistani seafood merchants in Beijing today.
The minister emphasized the importance of international collaborations, specifically mentioning memorandums of understanding and business-to-business deals as crucial to achieving this objective. He envisions these partnerships as key to not only boosting fishery shipments but also strengthening aquaculture cooperation and establishing Pakistan as a major seafood center in the region.
Minister Chaudhry”s announcement comes on the heels of a successful fiscal year 2024-25, during which Pakistan”s seafood consignments surpassed $465 million. He noted Pakistan”s significant standing as the third-largest shipper of mud crabs globally, exporting over 3,000 tons of live mud crabs to its primary importer, China.
Several Pakistani exporters shared their expansion strategies during the meeting. Tariq Memon, of Arabian Sea Products, detailed plans for advanced aquaculture and holding methods, developed in collaboration with Chinese businesses, to increase the shelf life of live seafood for export to distant destinations like China. Memon emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange, funding, and aquaculture skill development from Chinese associates for the project”s prosperity.
Saeed Ahmed Fareed, CEO of Legend International (Pvt) Ltd, proposed a joint venture with a Chinese enterprise for value-added frozen seafood and poultry. His Karachi-based company, with a substantial processing plant and approval from Chinese customs authorities, aims to leverage this partnership for mutual cost reduction, enhanced efficiency, and expanded market access in the US, Europe, and regional territories.
Further expansion plans for China and nearby areas were shared by Ali Reimoo of Karim Impex. Meanwhile, Asif Muhammad Ali Shah, Director of Perfect Food Industries, highlighted the untapped potential of freeze-drying technology, advocating for its application in preserving Pakistani fruits and vegetables for export. Shah noted the significant demand for such products and the willingness of international buyers to commit to yearly agreements, contingent upon the development of local production capabilities.
Minister Chaudhry acknowledged the growth in Pakistan”s frozen food industry, attributing it to substantial investments in cold chain infrastructure and advanced freezing methods. He suggested this foundation could support the future establishment of specialized freeze-drying plants for seafood, expressing optimism about the industry”s growth prospects.