Lahore: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has urged a concerted push to expand Pakistan's seafood exports to China, citing an increasing demand for Pakistani mud crabs and other seafood products as an opportunity for export diversification and foreign exchange growth. The organization emphasizes that this development could significantly contribute to enhancing the country's blue economy.
According to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nazir Hussain, President of PCJCCI, highlighted Pakistan's potential in fisheries and seafood exports, particularly in high-value segments like mud crabs, shrimp, lobster, and both fresh and frozen fish. He advocated for leveraging Pakistan's extensive coastline and marine resources through investments in modern processing, cold-chain infrastructure, quality control, and international certification standards.
China's rapidly expanding seafood market, Hussain noted, provides a substantial opportunity for Pakistani exporters to increase their market share and forge lasting commercial partnerships. In 2025, seafood exports from Pakistan to China reached approximately $255 million, marking a 24 percent increase from 2024, underscoring the growing potential within the Chinese market.
Amir Ali, Vice President of PCJCCI, pointed to the robust growth in Pakistan-China seafood trade as a promising sign. He remarked that enhancements in supply chains and adherence to international food-safety standards could further bolster Pakistan's status in the Chinese market. During the 2025-26 financial year, Pakistan's total seafood export earnings were reported to be between $482.08 million, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, and $568 million based on provisional Ministry figures. China remained the principal destination for these exports, with chilled and fresh crab exports to China surpassing $31.9 million in the first eleven months of 2025.
Adeel Munawar, Commercial Ambassador for PCJCCI, identified mud crabs as a burgeoning export product that could diversify Pakistan's seafood exports. He emphasized the necessity of fortifying business-to-business connections with Chinese importers, distributors, retailers, and food-service companies to ensure sustainable market access for Pakistani exporters.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of PCJCCI, discussed the potential employment and livelihood improvements for coastal communities in Sindh and Balochistan through expanded seafood exports. He called for enhanced coordination among government entities, exporters, fisheries authorities, and logistics providers to cultivate an integrated seafood export ecosystem. PCJCCI advocates for targeted policy support, investment in modern seafood infrastructure, and stronger Pakistan-China business linkages to unlock the sector's full export potential and establish Pakistan as a competitive supplier in China's burgeoning seafood market.