Chaudhry calls for export-oriented shrimp industry

ISLAMABAD  – Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has called for the development of a comprehensive and sustainable value chain to turn aquaculture and shrimp farming into an export-oriented industry and boost foreign exchange earnings.

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, improve quality and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.

He said the subcommittee would work towards establishing an integrated system encompassing shrimp production, processing, quality testing and access to international markets.

Pakistan’s seafood exports reached a record $568 million in the financial year 2025-26, including $62 million worth of shrimp, the minister said. Seafood exports also rose to $125.4 million in the first quarter of the current financial year, he added.

He noted that a substantial share of the country’s seafood exports continued to come from wild-caught marine resources, highlighting the need to develop shrimp farming as an organised and sustainable source of production. Chaudhry emphasised the importance of ensuring the availability of quality seed, adequate hatchery facilities, standardised feed and effective disease-control systems to support sustainable shrimp production.

He called for measures to encourage the domestic production of shrimp feed and seed to reduce reliance on imports. He also proposed considering appropriate concessions on duties and taxes to attract investment in the sector.

The minister stressed the need for competitive electricity tariffs and greater reliance on solar and hybrid energy systems to ensure affordable and uninterrupted power supplies to shrimp farms.

He said Pakistan would need to meet international standards for food safety, biosecurity, cold-chain management, processing and traceability to expand its access to major markets, including the United States, China and the European Union.

Chaudhry said Pakistan had considerable potential to expand aquaculture and shrimp farming by harnessing its natural resources, including coastal areas and suitable land and water resources.

He underscored the need for reliable, standardised data on resource availability, production capacity and existing farming practices to facilitate effective planning and informed decision-making. He added that effective implementation mechanisms, coordination among relevant departments and the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices were essential to increase production, improve quality and establish a competitive, export-oriented industry.

“The purpose of the meeting is not merely to put forward proposals but to take concrete decisions and set clear targets and workable timelines,” the minister said.

He said the ultimate objective was to establish Pakistan as a sustainable shrimp-farming hub capable of generating export revenue and earning foreign exchange.

NIPCO House, 4 – Shaharah e Fatima Jinnah,

Tel: +92 42 36367580    |     Fax : +92 42 36367005