Maritime ministry says access to Russian, Central Asian markets to expand fisheries exports beyond traditional buyers.
Russia has approved 16 Pakistani seafood processing plants for exports, opening a potential market of up to $300 million for the country’s fisheries sector, Pakistan’s maritime ministry said.
The approval allows Pakistan to begin seafood exports to Russia for the first time, with officials also viewing the development as a gateway to the wider Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asian markets.
Pakistan’s seafood exports currently stand at around $500 million annually, with major destinations including China, Gulf countries, Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States.
The maritime ministry said the new access could increase export volumes and reduce reliance on existing markets, with shipments expected to be routed through sea, air and land corridors, including overland routes via Central Asia.
Officials said demand in these markets is rising, while limited domestic production creates opportunities for Pakistani products such as shrimp and ribbon fish.
The development reflects efforts to diversify export destinations and expand trade ties with Russia, which have remained limited but have grown in recent years.
The minister said further improvements in infrastructure and policy support would be needed to fully utilise the export potential in these new markets.
