Bhubaneswar: The Seafood Exporters Association of India with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) organised a dialogue on knowledge building on Korean Best Practices in Aqua and Seafood Processing and Bilateral Partnership here on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, Seafood Exporters Association of India – Odisha Region’s President Dr. Kamalesh Mishra said that in recent years, the bilateral relationship between India and South Korea has witnessed significant growth, particularly in economic and trade sectors. Both nations have recognised the immense potential for cooperation in various industries, including fisheries and seafood export.
The recent visit of the Korean delegates to Odisha facilitated by ILO and the burgeoning collaboration between India and South Korea in the realm of seafood export, with a special focus on the coastal states will benefit the socio economic development of all coastal states including Odisha, he stressed.
Highlighting the immense potential for local growth and development of MSMEs in the seafood sector through value-chain development, Special Secretary, Department of MSME Bibhuti Bhushana Dash emphasised on bilateral collaboration on technology transfer and capacity building on best practices.
Odisha endowed with a vast coastline along the Bay of Bengal, stands as one of India’s prominent seafood hubs. The state boasts a rich marine biodiversity, offering a diverse range of fish, shrimp, crab and other marine products. Recognising the potential of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and all other coastal states, India and South Korea have joined hands to harness the country’s resources for mutual economic benefit.
“Building mutual trust is the first step in market linkages. Odisha is a resource-rich State and there is huge potential for new product development in pharmaceuticals, beauty, and pet food, which can be explored alongside food consumption,” said Choi Byeong Dae, one of the experts visiting the state.
Deputy Director, MPEDA Regional Division, Bhubaneswar Archiman Lahiri emphasised the increase of exports to Republic of Korea. Citing India’s share in seafood exports to the country and its potential in shrimps, Surimi, Capholopods, Crab, and dried items in value added product basket, he said that Odisha can offer quality black tiger shrimp.
It pertinent to mention that the ILO through Promoting Sustainable Enterprises in India (PSEI) initiative funded by the KOICA is working towards strengthening the competitiveness of the seafood sector in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for boosting local economic development, and creating more and better quality jobs.
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