Pakistan Moves to Introduce Performance-Based Incentives to Boost Seafood Exports

ISLAMABAD: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs to explore measures aimed at increasing Pakistan’s seafood exports and improving the competitiveness of fisheries products in international markets.

The meeting discussed the introduction of a **performance-based incentive scheme for fisheries exporters**. The proposed initiative is aimed at encouraging exporters to increase seafood exports while creating more employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.

A four-member committee has been constituted to review the proposed incentive scheme and submit its recommendations. **Junaid Anwar Chaudhry** assured the meeting that the committee would present its recommendations within one week.

Officials emphasized that incentives would be provided while maintaining the existing tax system. The participants expressed the view that an effective incentive mechanism could significantly increase Pakistan’s seafood exports and strengthen the sector’s position in global markets.

The meeting also considered a proposal to introduce **national awards for fish exporters** in recognition of outstanding performance and contribution to the country’s seafood export sector.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said Pakistan’s seafood exports had reached **$568 million last year**, highlighting the sector’s potential to generate additional foreign exchange and employment.

The meeting noted that improving the competitiveness of Pakistani seafood products in international markets is essential for expanding fisheries exports. Participants stressed the need for effective incentives, improved market access and greater support for exporters to unlock the sector’s full potential.

The proposed performance-based incentives are expected to encourage higher exports, improve the quality and competitiveness of Pakistani seafood products and contribute to employment generation in the fisheries sector.

The government is now awaiting the four-member committee’s recommendations before taking further decisions on the proposed incentive framework.