Guwahati: India aims to double its marine product exports to Rs. 1 lakh crore from the present level of Rs. 50,000 crore within the next five years, stated the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Piyush Goyal in Kochi.

"This goal will be achieved through assuring quality and diversity in fishing, promoting coastal shipping and aquaculture, and sustaining the overall fisheries ecosystem," says the report. Shri Goyal spoke to the media at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in Kochi. Shri K.N. Raghavan, Chairman of MPEDA, gave a road map to attain a Rs 1 lakh crore export turnover.

Shri Goyal stated that free trade agreements with the UAE and Australia have been reached, while discussions with the UK and Canada are ongoing. The Minister stated that discussions to negotiate an FTA with the EU will commence on the 17th of this month in Brussels. He stated that the objective was to create market access and new chances for the country's exporters, so providing a better future for fishermen. The Minister also ruled out the notion of relocating the MPEDA's headquarters from Kochi.

Earlier, the Minister interacted with the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) at MPEDA to address different concerns, challenges, and solutions affecting the sector. In addition, he visited with fishermen from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karnataka.

The Minister promised that the Ministry will intervene to reduce the barriers to the import of raw materials for value addition, so that India may be converted into a seafood processing centre in the near future. Shri Goyal asked exporters to educate, help, and encourage fishermen to use sustainable fishing methods while still preserving the quality of the catch to maximise profits. He stated that Indian missions overseas have been strengthened to assist exporters in developing their commerce.