Pangasius gains popularity as a staple food in Pakistan
Dishes made from fish, particularly pangasius, are becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and are now a regular feature on menus at restaurants, hotels, and banquet events across the country.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Pakistan has one of the lowest per capita seafood consumption rates in the world, averaging just 2 kg per person per year, far below the global average of 17 kg per person per year. In daily meals, Pakistanis primarily consume meat, with chicken and lamb being the most popular choices.
In recent years, fish-based dishes, particularly those made with pangasius, have become increasingly popular and are now a staple in nearly every restaurant, hotel, and banquet across Pakistan. The success of Vietnamese pangasius in this market can be attributed to its mild, widely appealing flavor, ease of preparation, consistent quality, and competitive pricing.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s aquaculture and seafood processing industry remains underdeveloped. The country’s fish supply, both for domestic consumption and export, primarily relies on wild catches. However, large-scale fishing has led to a significant decline in natural seafood resources.
To ensure both the quantity and quality of seafood products while meeting the demand for pangasius fillets in high-end restaurants and hotels, Pakistan must rely on imports.
At present, Pakistan has no specific regulations for imported pangasius, other than requiring a health certificate. The country has yet to implement protective measures such as anti-dumping duties or technical barriers. Consequently, VASEP recommends that Vietnamese businesses seize the opportunity to expand pangasius exports to Pakistan.
Vietnam’s seafood exports to Pakistan average approximately USD 19 million per year, accounting for nearly 1% of the country’s total seafood exports. The primary export to Pakistan is pangasius fish, which constitutes 98% of Vietnam’s total seafood exports to this market. Additionally, Vietnam exports shrimp to Pakistan, primarily black tiger shrimp, followed by white-leg shrimp, though in much smaller quantities.
VFM
