Pakistan wins Russian approval for seafood exports

April 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has secured a major breakthrough in its fisheries sector, with Russian authorities approving exports of Pakistani seafood through the registration of 16 local seafood processing plants.

The development opens the door to Pakistan's first-ever shipments to Russia and the broader Eurasian market, diversifying exports beyond traditional destinations and potentially adding $300 million in export earnings from Russia alone.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry shared the development on Friday, describing it as a historic and landmark achievement for the Marine Fisheries Department, crediting sustained diplomatic and technical efforts for the breakthrough, according to a press release issued.

The approval also grants Pakistan access to Eurasian Economic Union member states, opening high-demand markets in Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, where rapid urbanisation and growing appetite for protein-rich diets are driving seafood consumption amid limited local production.

Pakistan's annual seafood exports, currently around $500 million, are projected to surge to $800 million in the coming years.

The minister highlighted Pakistan's competitive edge, noting that warm-water species such as shrimp and ribbon fish fill a product gap in these markets, with strategic ports including Gwadar and Karachi well-positioned to support expanded trade flows via sea, air, and cost-effective overland routes through Central Asia.

Minister Chaudhry urged improved infrastructure and policy support to capitalise on the opportunity, adding that Pakistan's geographic position and adherence to international standards place it well for significant growth in global seafood markets.

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