Performance-Based Incentive Scheme Proposed to Boost Seafood Exports

ISLAMABAD: A meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reviewed measures to enhance Pakistan’s fish and seafood exports and considered a proposal to introduce a performance-based incremental export incentive scheme aimed at promoting exports, investment and global competitiveness while maintaining the existing tax structure.

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the proposed scheme would provide incentives to exporters based on additional export performance without making any changes to the current tax regime.

Speaking at the meeting, the minister said the time was right to encourage greater investment and business activity in Pakistan’s fisheries sector. He noted that effective incentives and close engagement with exporters would help increase seafood exports and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

To examine the proposal in detail, the minister constituted a four-member committee headed by Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hafeez ur Rehman. The committee includes Director General of Korangi Fish Harbour Authority Dr. Shahid, Director General of the Marine Fisheries Department Dr. Mansoor Wasan, and Assistant Commissioner Fisheries Muhammad Farhan Khan. The committee has been directed to submit its recommendations within one week.

The meeting also decided to prepare proposals for national awards to recognize outstanding fish exporters and to finalize the framework of the incentive scheme after consultation with industry stakeholders.

Director General of the Marine Fisheries Department Dr. Mansoor Wasan said targeted incentives and effective engagement with exporters could significantly improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s seafood industry in international markets.

The federal minister informed the meeting that Pakistan’s seafood exports reached US$568 million during the fiscal year 2025-26. However, he noted that regional competitors were expanding their exports at a much faster pace. He emphasized that the fisheries sector is an important source of export earnings and employment, and the government is committed to increasing exports, improving quality standards and enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in global seafood markets.