Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Friday a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s fisheries sector, with 16 local seafood processing plants approved for exports to Russia.

In a statement, the minister described the development as a “historic” and “landmark achievement” for the Marine Fisheries Department, crediting sustained diplomatic and technical efforts. “This paves the way for our first-ever shipments to Russia and the broader Eurasian market,” he said, noting it diversifies exports beyond traditional destinations like China, the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US.

“The authorities in Russia have given approval for export of Pakistani seafood to their country through registration of 16 seafood processing plants in Pakistan,” he added.

Pakistan’s annual seafood exports, currently around $500 million, are projected to surge to $800 million in the coming years, with Russia alone expected to generate $300 million initially. Access enables Eurasian Economic Union member states to tap into high demand in Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, where urbanisation and protein-rich diets drive seafood consumption amid limited local production.

Exports will leverage sea, air, and land routes, including cost-effective overland paths via Central Asia. Minister Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s competitive edge of warm-water species like shrimp and ribbon fish, which fill a “product gap” in these markets, bolstered by strategic ports such as Gwadar and Karachi. “Pakistan’s geographic position and adherence to international standards position us for significant growth,” he added, urging improved infrastructure and policy support to capture more global share.