BEIJING: Pakistan’s seafood exports to China increased by 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The rise is due to growing demand for seafood products in China, a trend that has been steadily increasing over the past few years, said Ghulam Qadir, investment and trade adviser at the Pakistani embassy in Beijing.
Qadir noted that Pakistan’s seafood exports to China reached $247.3 million, representing a 13% year-on-year increase for January-December 2023. In 2022, exports were valued at US$219.3 million, while in 2021 they were US$139.29 million, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).
This growth can be attributed to various factors such as improved trade relations between the two countries, participation in the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo held in Qingdao last year by a large group of Pakistani fishing companies, and the implementation of effective supply chain management strategies, in Pakistan’s marine industry.
This positive development has contributed to overall economic growth and strengthened ties between Pakistan and China, the adviser elaborated. Qadir informed China Economic Net (CEN) that according to GACC, exports of frozen fish (commodity code 03038990) exceeded $60.63 million in 2023. Fresh/chilled crabs (commodity code 03063399) saw an increase to $42.59 million, up from $27 million. 2022.
Additionally, the export of frozen cuttlefish (commodity code 03074310) reached $34.93 million from Pakistan to China in 2023. He also pointed out that Pakistan organized the International Food and Agriculture Exhibition in Karachi last year, where a significant number of Chinese people, especially from the seafood association, attended to explore the Pakistani market. The event showcased Pakistan’s potential as an exporter of quality seafood products and facilitated partnerships that have since strengthened Pakistan’s seafood exports to China.
