TEHRAN- Iran’s seafood exports value is forecast to hit $350 million by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 19, 2016), according to Hassan Salehi, the head of Iran’s Fisheries Organization.

The country’s seafood exports is planned to rise 15 percent this year compared to the previous year, Salehi said, adding that the exports will increase when the sanctions are lifted against the country.

“We are seeking to find new markets for our fishery products in East and South East Asia, Middle East and Caucasus,” the official said.

Also Russia has opened its doors for imports of Iran’s fishery products. Iranian private sector is projected to export 5,000 tons of shrimp to Russia in the current calendar year, Salehi noted.

In the wake of western stiffening sanctions against Russia, Iran’s Fisheries Organization has been considering exporting fishery products to the country. 

Iran exported over $300 million seafood to countries such as Vietnam, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates in the past Iranian calendar year, Salehi announced.

MA/