Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry calls for sustainable aquaculture, local feed production, modern farming practices and improved access to international seafood markets.
Pakistan is planning to develop a sustainable, export-focused shrimp farming industry to increase seafood exports and generate foreign exchange. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has stressed the need for an integrated value chain covering production, processing, quality assurance and access to international markets.
The minister expressed these views while chairing the first meeting of the Prime Minister’s Subcommittee on Aquaculture and Shrimp Value Chain. He said coordinated efforts were essential to increase production, maintain quality standards and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global seafood market.
Pakistan’s Seafood Exports Reach Record $568 Million
According to Junaid Chaudhry, Pakistan’s seafood exports reached a record $568 million during the financial year 2025-26, with shrimp contributing $62 million. Seafood exports also amounted to $125.4 million during the first quarter of the current financial year.
He noted that Pakistan continues to depend heavily on wild-caught marine resources for seafood exports. Developing organised shrimp farming could diversify production, support sustainable practices and create additional opportunities for export growth.
Focus on Local Production and Farming Infrastructure
The minister highlighted the importance of ensuring access to quality shrimp seed, reliable hatcheries, standardised feed and effective disease-control systems. He also called for promoting domestic production of shrimp seed and feed to reduce dependence on imported supplies.
To encourage investment, he suggested considering suitable concessions on duties and taxes. Competitive electricity tariffs and wider adoption of solar and hybrid energy systems were also identified as important measures to reduce operating costs and ensure uninterrupted power supplies for shrimp farms.
Meeting International Export Standards
Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan would need to meet international requirements for food safety, biosecurity, cold-chain management, processing and traceability to expand exports to major destinations, including the United States, China and the European Union.
He added that Pakistan could benefit from its extensive coastal areas, suitable land and water resources to expand aquaculture and shrimp production.
The minister also emphasised the need for reliable data on available resources, farming practices and production capacity to support effective planning and informed decisions.
Clear Targets and Timelines Required
The subcommittee was urged to strengthen coordination among relevant departments, adopt modern farming techniques and establish practical implementation mechanisms.
Junaid Chaudhry said the meeting should produce concrete decisions, measurable targets and clear timelines rather than merely generate proposals.
The broader objective is to establish Pakistan as a sustainable shrimp farming hub that can increase export earnings, attract investment and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange position.