Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry constituted on Friday a four-member committee to finalise a performance-based fish export incentive scheme aimed at increasing seafood exports without altering the existing tax regime.
“The proposed scheme will reward incremental export growth while retaining the current tax structure, improving the competitiveness of seafood industry and attracting investment,” he said while chairing a meeting.
“This is the right time to attract businesses towards Pakistan’s fisheries sector,” he said.
He added that better incentives and closer engagement with exporters would help increase seafood exports and the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Meanwhile, Marine Fisheries Department Director General Dr Mansoor Wasan briefing the meeting said that targeted incentives and stronger coordination with exporters could enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s seafood industry in international markets.
The minister said seafood exports reached $568 million in FY2025-26, describing the fisheries sector as an important source of export earnings and employment.
He said the government was pursuing measures to expand seafood exports, improve quality standards and strengthen international competitiveness through targeted incentives and closer collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Chaudhry directed the committee to engage exporters, processors and other stakeholders to develop practical recommendations aimed at increasing exports, promoting value addition and strengthening Pakistan’s position in global seafood markets.
The committee, headed by Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman, includes Korangi Fish Harbour Authority Director General Dr Shahid, Marine Fisheries Department Director General Dr Mansoor Wasan and Assistant Commissioner Fisheries Muhammad Farhan Khan.
The panel has been asked to review the proposed incentive mechanism and submit its recommendations to the minister within a week. It will also prepare proposals for national awards to recognise outstanding fish exporters and consult industry stakeholders before finalising the framework.