SME Times News Bureau | 08 Feb, 2020
Union
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash, on Friday said the
Centre will help the seafood sector in all possible ways to make India the
number one exporter.
In his address at the 22nd India International Seafood Show, organised by the
Marine Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) here, he said: "There is an
urgent need to make India the prime producer of seafood, going up from the
fourth position.
"The government is willing to address the problems faced by the sector in
achieving production and export targets without compromising on quality and
environment. When this happens, it would contribute to the country's overall
economic development besides improving the employment opportunities. At
present, the sector provides employment to about 14.5 million people,"
Prakash said.
The Minister asked the MPEDA to prepare and submit a memorandum, listing the
sector's requirements.
Seafood Exporters Association of India President Jagdish V. Fofandi said that
Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take up the issue that seafood exporters
face with the European Union, during his upcoming visit.
"The government should also ensure that the Chinese market remain open to
India, particularly in view of the fact that the neighbouring country had
become a net importer," he said.