- Maritime minister says move enables first shipments to Russia, wider Eurasian region
- Pakistan's seafood exports currently stand at about $500 million annually
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s maritime ministry said on Friday Russia had approved 16 local seafood processing plants for exports, opening a new market worth up to $300 million for the country’s fisheries sector as it seeks to diversify beyond traditional destinations.
The development marks a rare expansion of trade ties between Pakistan and Russia, which have historically remained limited but have seen gradual growth in recent years, particularly in energy and commodities. Access to the Russian market is seen as part of Islamabad’s broader push to tap non-traditional export destinations.
Pakistan’s seafood exports currently stand at around $500 million annually, with key markets including China, the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States. Officials say entry into Russia, and potentially the wider Eurasian Economic Union, could significantly expand export volumes and reduce reliance on existing buyers.
“The authorities in Russia have given approval for export of Pakistani seafood to their country through registration of 16 seafood processing plants in Pakistan,” Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement.
“This paves the way for our first-ever shipments to Russia and the broader Eurasian market,” he added.
The Russian government has not yet commented on the development.
Pakistan's maritime minister said the new access could generate up to $300 million in exports from Russia alone in the initial phase, while also opening opportunities in Central Asian markets such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Exports are expected to be routed through sea, air and land corridors, including overland routes via Central Asia, offering cost advantages and faster delivery times.
Chaudhry said Pakistan’s warm-water seafood species, including shrimp and ribbon fish, could help fill supply gaps in these markets, where demand is rising alongside urbanization and limited local production.
“Pakistan’s geographic position and adherence to international standards position us for significant growth,” he said, calling for improved infrastructure and policy support to boost exports further.