In a major push to diversify overseas earnings through high-value seafood products, a Pakistani government committee has established a strict 120-day deadline to formulate a comprehensive roadmap for expanding shrimp farming and boosting exports.
The directive was announced following a high-level committee meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, bringing together provincial fisheries officials and federal institutions. The 120-day planning phase forms the foundational step of a broader 24-month implementation and review framework.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- Record Seafood Earnings: Pakistan’s fish and seafood exports reached a record $568 million in the fiscal year ending June 2026, with shrimp contributing $62.14 million. Key export destinations include China, Thailand, the UAE, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
- Overcoming Industry Bottlenecks: While current exports rely heavily on wild-caught marine resources, officials emphasized the urgent need to develop domestic hatcheries, secure feed supplies, implement disease control protocols, and ensure strict compliance with international food safety standards.
- Structured Governance: The committee approved seven technical working groups and a specialized projection and costing cell tasked with generating 14 reports and precise export projections. Participating institutions were assigned an initial 14-day action plan to establish baseline data and tackle value-chain hurdles.
- Provincial Developments:
- Punjab’s aquaculture sector is actively expanding shrimp farming and establishing hatcheries, though building robust supply chains remains a primary challenge.
- Sindh is preparing a feasibility study for a massive 3,500-acre shrimp farm, while addressing ongoing hurdles in food processing and product traceability.
With no formal export earnings target or funding allocation announced yet, the government intends to work closely with provincial administrations and industry stakeholders to eliminate constraints, enhance processing capabilities, and strengthen Pakistan’s global export competitiveness.
