In an effort to promote Iran’s seafood industry, a proposal has been made to establish a fund that will oversee this lucrative sector, reported Iran’s official news agency, IRNA. According to D. Salehi, Iran’s deputy minister for Aquatic Culture, this small, yet growing industry has shown in recent years significant profits, increased local food supply, as well as created many jobs.
He added that the development of this promising industry, through the introduction of modern technology and an increase in exports, would mean significant economic opportunities for the Iranian nation.
According to official figures, Iranian shrimp exports for 2000 reached 7,800 tons, worth $22.9 million. This represents revenue growth of 120 percent compared to the figures for the same period the year before. Iran shrimp production capacity is estimated at up to 200,000 tons.
Currently, Iran exports only a fraction of its annual 400,000 tons seafood output capacity. Last year, approximately 4,600 tons of fresh and frozen fish were exported at the cost of a mere $4.6 million. However small, this figure represents an increase of nearly 40 percent from the previous year. ― (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
