EDITORIAL: Pakistan’s seafood exports have registered an impressive increase in the first quarter of FY2026-27, offering some welcome encouragement at a time when the economy desperately needs stronger export earnings. According to figures released by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, export receipts rose 74.40 percent year-on-year to $125.4 million, compared with $71.9 million in the corresponding period last year. Such growth deserves appreciation, particularly in a sector whose potential has remained under-exploited for far too long.
The challenge now is to convert this encouraging performance into sustained expansion through a coordinated strategy for market access, investment, quality assurance and institutional development.
The figures also underline the importance of examining what is driving export growth. Shipment volumes reached 61,679 metric tonnes during July-September 2026, compared with 43,995 tonnes a year earlier. This suggests that increased quantities have been an important driver of higher earnings. The next objective should therefore be to secure greater value from each tonne exported through better processing, packaging, product diversification and access to markets willing to pay more for products meeting their requirements.
Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector offers considerable opportunities for earning foreign exchange while supporting employment and livelihoods along the coast. Yet exploiting those opportunities requires a far more systematic approach than celebrating periodic increases in export figures. The opening of Russia as a market for Pakistani seafood is a positive development, and the authorities should now pursue additional destinations through sustained commercial diplomacy, technical negotiations and direct engagement with international buyers. Export promotion agencies, trade missions, fisheries regulators and private exporters must work towards clearly defined market-access targets rather than operating in separate administrative compartments.
Particular attention should be given to resuming shrimp exports to the United States and improving access to the European Union. These markets demand rigorous compliance with food-safety, inspection, traceability and certification requirements. Meeting such standards requires investment throughout the supply chain, from hygienic handling at landing sites and reliable cold storage to processing facilities, laboratory testing and documentation. Government and industry must identify the precise regulatory and technical obstacles affecting each market and establish time-bound plans to address them.
The proposed revival of the fishing licensing regime in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone also deserves priority. Proper licensing, monitoring and enforcement can support more orderly commercial activity and improve the management of marine resources. However, expansion must remain consistent with sustainable fishing practices. Unregulated exploitation, inadequate stock management and destructive fishing methods could eventually undermine the very export potential the government is seeking to develop. Reliable fisheries data and effective oversight are therefore essential components of a credible growth strategy.
Human-resource development is equally important. The maritime minister’s call to restore the Marine Fisheries Department’s Fisheries Training Centre should be acted upon promptly. Pakistan needs trained personnel in fisheries management, seafood processing, quality control, laboratory testing, vessel operations and international compliance. Dedicated training programmes, developed in consultation with exporters and technical specialists, could help build the professional capacity required to compete in demanding markets. Smaller fishing operators and coastal communities must also have access to improved skills, equipment and market opportunities.
The government should now translate these priorities into a comprehensive export development programme with measurable targets, clear institutional responsibilities and regular independent assessment. Greater coordination between federal and provincial authorities, private exporters and fishing communities will be indispensable. Investment in infrastructure, easier access to finance and faster certification procedures should accompany efforts to secure new markets.
With Pakistan facing persistent pressure to strengthen its external account, every viable opportunity to earn additional export revenue deserves serious attention. Seafood exports have demonstrated encouraging momentum. The government must now ensure that the sector can sustain it, increase value addition and make a more substantial contribution to the balance of payments. A bigger catch is welcome; securing a bigger share of international seafood markets would be considerably better.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026