Pakistan secures four-year permit for fish exports to US

Pakistan has received a four-year permit to export fish and seafood to the United States. This development is seen as an international acknowledgment of the country’s better fisheries standards. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced this significant achievement for Pakistan’s seafood industry.

Chaudhry stated that the permit shows global recognition of Pakistani seafood quality, confirming that the country’s fisheries now meet American import requirements. He mentioned that this progress will ensure a steady flow of marine product exports to one of the largest seafood markets in the world.

“Pakistan’s fisheries have met American standards, and now we can continue exporting marine products,” Chaudhry said. He pointed out that U.S. approval would not only raise international credibility but also stabilize Pakistan’s export sector.

Chaudhry highlighted the sector’s recent performance, noting that Pakistan exported 242,000 tons of fish last year, bringing in $489 million in foreign exchange earnings. With the new U.S. approval, the government aims for exports to rise further, targeting around $600 million in seafood exports next year.

The fisheries sector is one of Pakistan’s key export industries, with seafood sent to several countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The U.S. permit is considered a major step towards accessing high-value markets and boosting Pakistan’s trade profile.

Officials believe that consistently enforcing quality standards, improving cold storage facilities, and following international regulations will help the sector continue to grow. The ministry has promised stakeholders ongoing government support to improve competitiveness in the global seafood industry.