QINGDAO, Nov 3 (China Economic Net) - Pakistani seafood exporters showcased shellfish, fish, crabs, shrimp, lobster, octopus and squid at the 29th China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE 2026) in Qingdao held on 28-30 October, drawn not only by China’s massive market but by the technological sophistication and supply-chain reach that have made the country a driving force in global aquatic trade.

The three-day expo has drawn 1,617 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions across 117,600 square meters of exhibition space, including 27 international pavilions and 16 domestic exhibition groups. It is the largest edition in the event’s nearly three-decade history, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading professional seafood trade gathering and a link connecting producers and buyers across the global supply chain.

For Pakistan, China’s importance is hard to overstate. China accounts for over 60% of Pakistan’s total seafood exports, and shipments reached nearly $255 million in 2025, up about 24% year-on-year. Frozen fish remained the largest category at roughly $64.6 million, while frozen cuttlefish and squid contributed nearly $31 million and frozen octopus almost $12 million.

Mian Saeed Fareed, CEO of Legend International Pvt. Ltd. and former chairman of the PAKFEA at the 29th CFSE 2026, photo provided to CEN

“China is one of the most important markets for Pakistan’s seafood industry,” said Mian Saeed Fareed, CEO of Legend International Pvt. Ltd. and former chairman of the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PAKFEA). “Our participation in this exhibition reflects our strong commitment to strengthening trade relations with China and expanding Pakistan’s presence in the international seafood market.”

Saeed Fareed added that Pakistani exporters are pivoting toward higher value production to capture more of the returns from that trade. “Our current major focus is on developing value-added seafood products in Pakistan to increase export earnings, create employment opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of our seafood industry,” he noted. “We are also giving special attention to the development of shrimp aquaculture and commercial shrimp farming to diversify production and build a sustainable export-oriented seafood sector.”

“China is not only a major buyer of Pakistani seafood but also a leader in modern seafood processing, aquaculture and related technologies,” Fareed explained. “Through our participation in this exhibition, we have gained valuable knowledge, observed modern technologies and explored new business opportunities. We are optimistic that these experiences will contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future for Pakistan’s seafood exports to China.”

The expo’s role as a conduit for technology transfer and market access has grown alongside its scale. Products on display range from sustainably wild-caught seafood and high-tech aquaculture output to convenient processed foods, premium table ingredients and innovative products, drawing an increasingly diverse array of producers and buyers seeking new commercial opportunities.

“We remain committed to promoting Pakistan’s seafood sector, strengthening international partnerships, introducing modern technology and increasing the value and volume of our seafood exports,” Saeed Fareed concluded. “We are hopeful that continued cooperation between Pakistan and China will open new doors for our exporters and bring long-term benefits to both countries.”