TEHRAN - The value of Iran’s fishery export has increased 68 percent during the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21-October 22), as compared to the same period of time in the past year, according to Agriculture Minister Javad Sadati-Nejad.

Sadati-Nejad said the export of fishery products has also increased by 28 percent in terms of weight, IRIB reported.

Emphasizing the need for taking new measures to develop the sector and complete the value chain of aquatic products, he said the Agriculture Ministry will continue supporting fishery farms to increase exports.

According to the minister, his ministry is taking the necessary measures to continue establishing fishery parks in the country.

Referring to the unique capacities of Iran's marine environment including beaches and rivers, Sadati-Nejad emphasized the need to develop fisheries and said: “In addition to the production of high-quality and cheap aquatic products, it is necessary to promote the consumption of marine proteins.”

Enjoying high quality, Iran’s fishery products are being sold easily in export markets around the world and some new export destinations including China, South Korea, and the Eurasian Union nations have recently welcomed these products.

In late November, Sadati-Nejad announced the launch of the country’s first fishery industries park on the sidelines of the 6th International Fisheries Industry Exhibition (IFEX 2022).

According to the official, every year 1,000 tons of shrimp will be produced in the country's first fishery park which is mainly focused on shrimp production.

Sadati-Nejad stressed his ministry’s support for the companies active in the fishery sector, saying: “The Ministry of Agriculture and Iran Fisheries Organization (IFO) support investors active in the field of fisheries and seafood production, which in addition to improving the economy, increasing exports and foreign revenues, it also brings job creation.”

The minister also announced the growth of the export of aquatic and fishery products, including caviar, in the current year.

EF/MA