Govt bets big on blue economy growth

April 24, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is taking decisive steps to harness its largely untapped blue economy, as the government moves to modernize the fisheries sector that  despite significant potential contributes less than 0.5% to the country's GDP.

With vast coastal resources yet to be fully leveraged, authorities say targeted investment and research-driven reforms could transform the sector into a multi-billion-dollar, export-oriented industry and position Pakistan as a regional maritime powerhouse, according to a press release issued.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry declared the establishment of a fisheries and aquaculture research and training centre at the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHA) as a key step in that direction.

"If implemented effectively, it could transform fisheries into a multi-billion-dollar industry and serve as a model hub for modern aquaculture," the minister said.

The 10-acre facility will serve as a comprehensive "Aqua Ecosystem," integrating the full fish supply chain from catching and farming to processing, packing, and export supported by hatcheries, quality labs, training programmes, and technology demonstrations.

The hub will deploy IoT-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), using smart sensors and automation to enable sustainable, land-based fish farming amid limited coastal space.

The broader economic vision includes streamlined value chains, higher seafood exports, increased incomes for fishing communities, and new jobs across farming, processing, logistics, and research.

Implementation will involve partnerships with universities, international institutes, NGOs, and private investors, with focus species including shrimp, tilapia, seabass, and pomfret.

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