Government plans performance-based incentives to increase seafood exports while retaining the existing tax regime and strengthening Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
The federal government has constituted a four-member committee to finalise a performance-based fish export incentive scheme aimed at increasing Pakistan’s seafood exports without changing the existing tax regime.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the initiative while chairing a high-level meeting, saying the proposed incentive mechanism would reward exporters for achieving incremental export growth while maintaining the current taxation framework.
Performance-based incentives planned
The minister said the scheme is designed to improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s seafood industry, encourage fresh investment, and expand the country’s export base.
“This is the right time to attract businesses towards Pakistan’s fisheries sector,” Chaudhry said, adding that better incentives and stronger engagement with exporters would help increase seafood exports and enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Four-member committee constituted
The committee will be headed by Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman.
Other members include:
Korangi Fish Harbour Authority Director General Dr Shahid
Marine Fisheries Department Director General Dr Mansoor Wasan
Assistant Commissioner Fisheries Muhammad Farhan Khan
The committee has been directed to review the proposed incentive framework and submit its recommendations to the minister within one week.
National awards for exporters under consideration
Besides designing the incentive scheme, the panel will prepare proposals for introducing national awards to recognise outstanding fish exporters.
It will also consult exporters, processors, and other industry stakeholders before finalising recommendations to ensure the framework addresses practical challenges facing the seafood export sector.
Seafood exports reach $568 million
During the meeting, Marine Fisheries Department Director General Dr Mansoor Wasan said targeted incentives and stronger coordination with exporters could significantly improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in international seafood markets.
The minister noted that Pakistan’s seafood exports reached $568 million during FY2025-26, describing the fisheries sector as an important source of export earnings and employment.
He said the government remains committed to expanding seafood exports, improving quality standards, promoting value addition, and strengthening Pakistan’s position in global seafood markets through targeted policy measures and close collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Chaudhry instructed the committee to engage all relevant stakeholders and develop practical proposals aimed at increasing exports, encouraging value-added seafood products, and enhancing the country’s international market presence.