Pakistan Seafood Sector Sees Growth with China as Key Trade Partner

Lahore: Pakistan’s seafood industry is experiencing notable growth, buoyed by abundant marine resources and a rising global appetite for seafood. The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) reports that China is becoming an increasingly important partner for the nation’s seafood exports.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, seafood exports from Pakistan reached $383.088 million from July to May of the 2020-24 period. This is a rise from the $373.382 million recorded during the same period from 2019 to 2023, marking a 2.6 percent increase year-on-year.

Nazir Hussain, President of PCJCCI, highlighted Pakistan’s 1,000-kilometer coastline and its diverse aquatic offerings as pivotal to the sector’s export success. China accounts for a significant portion of these exports, making it a crucial market for Pakistan.

Brig. Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (Retd), Senior Vice President of PCJCCI, noted that China is a major global consumer and importer of seafood. In 2019, Pakistan exported around 29% of its total fish and aquatic products to China. The growing demand in China presents significant opportunities for Pakistani seafood exporters due to the country’s proximity and competitive pricing.

Zafar Iqbal, Vice President of PCJCCI, emphasized the potential for Pakistan to improve its export margins by investing in value-added processing techniques and modern infrastructure. There is growing interest from Chinese investors to establish processing facilities in Pakistan, potentially reducing logistical costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of PCJCCI, mentioned governmental efforts to modernize the fisheries sector, including infrastructure upgrades and compliance with international standards. These steps aim to position Pakistan as a competitive producer of high-quality seafood products for the global market.