Seafood Units Told to Explore New Mkts, Aid Local Supplies

The government on Monday urged the seafood exporters, hit by a cumulative 59% tariff in the US, to "bravely face" the challenges and explore alternative markets for shipments besides expanding domestic supplies.

- SANDIP DAS

After meeting with seafood exporters and stakeholders, Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh said that several markets, including the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, Russia, and other markets, present opportunities for seafood exporters.

"We will have to face current challenges and the recently signed India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK also has provisions for the fisheries sector," Singh said on the US imposing tariffs on India's agri-products.

Singh also urged exporters to take advantage of the Fishery Infrastructure Development Fund to upgrade and strengthen value-addition, processing, and packaging facilities.