Russia has for the first time given export permission to 16 Pakistani seafood companies, a federal minister said.
“Currently, our seafood exports earn us approximately USD 500 million annually. With exports to Russia, this should increase to USD 800 million in the next 12 months,” Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry told the media.
Seafood products from Pakistan’s warm sea waters gives the country a competitive edge and the ministry is exploring new export markets for seafood products, Junaid 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.
