Pakistan is seeking to deepen cooperation in the blue economy across the Asia-Pacific region, with a commercial diplomat highlighting the country’s seafood resources and export performance at a major industry gathering in China’s Hainan province.
Muhammad Imran, Commercial Counselor at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou, joined the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific (Hainan) Seafood Industry Supply Chain Conference (APSIC 2026) on October 21 in Haikou, a coastal city and a key hub of the Hainan Free Trade Port, where he said he felt the vibrant momentum of the Asia-Pacific seafood sector and witnessed the shared vision of all parties to further explore the blue economy.
The conference featured the release of the “2026 Asia-Pacific Seafood Industry Supply Chain Cooperation Initiative,” the unveiling of the Asia-Pacific Seafood Industry Supply Chain Alliance, and the simultaneous publication of the annual “Asia-Pacific Seafood Premium Brands” list, marking a step toward deeper regional collaboration in the sector.
During the roundtable dialogue themed “Blue Partners, Shared Opportunities – Cooperation and Future of the Asia-Pacific Seafood Supply Chain,” Imran exchanged views with chamber leaders, business executives, and consular officials from France, ASEAN countries, and other regions on cross-border circulation, trade facilitation, and long-term industrial collaboration. Highlighting that Pakistan is blessed with abundant seafood resources, he pointed to the country’s robust export performance as evidence of the sector’s potential.
Pakistan’s seafood exports reached a record $568 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with frozen fish, squid and cuttlefish, fish meal, shrimp, and crab among the leading categories. China has remains Pakistan’s top seafood export destination. For the full year 2025, Pakistan’s seafood shipments to China reached nearly $255 million. Guangdong Province, where Imran is stationed, emerged as the largest destination for Pakistani frozen fish by value and volume, importing 8.48 million kilograms worth $15.7 million.
A concurrent exhibition, which runs from October 20 to 22, is being held alongside the conference, where Imran reiterated the expectation of smooth supply chain linkages with Asia-Pacific partners for mutual benefit and joint embrace of new opportunities in the blue economy.
