AP pitches for knowledge sharing with S Korea to up seafood exports
South Korea’s expertise could help Andhra Pradesh enhance seafood processing and exports
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Visakhapatnam: Experts from the trade and industry in Andhra Pradesh have sought efforts to increase export of seafood from the State to South Korea through collaborations on knowledge sharing and Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
AP is considered the aqua capital of India. The State as per Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) exported 2.83 lakh MT of seafood valued at Rs 18,073 crore in 2022-23. Visakhapatnam, the largest export hub in the State and Krishnapatnam located near Chennai together, accounted for 16.32 per cent of total exports from India. During the previous year, AP exported 2.67 lakh MT worth Rs 16,864 crore. India has set a target to achieve export turnover of Rs 1 lakh crore by 2025. India’s export during 2022-23 was put at 17.35 lakh MT worth Rs 63,969 crore.
Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) president Pawan Kumar has emphasised the importance of strengthening trade relations between India and South Korea, particularly in the seafood sector.
Speaking during a workshop on knowledge building on Korean best practices in aqua and seafood processing and a bilateral partnership dialogue organised by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) here, he advocated the inclusion of seafood products in the ongoing FTA negotiations between the two countries. This initiative aims to facilitate easier access to the South Korean market and significantly boost Indian seafood exports.
Dr N Yuvaraj, Secretary, Commerce and Industries, highlighted the State’s potential in food processing and aquaculture, underscoring their potential to contribute significantly to the national GDP. He stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration with South Korea, which boasts advanced technologies and expertise in seafood processing.
During a keynote address, Woochan Chang, the India Country Director at the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), highlighted the importance of maintaining stringent standards and regulations to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.
He commended South Korea’s seafood industry for its focus on efficiency, quality and innovation, achieved through cutting-edge technologies and rigorous quality control measures.
Member, Managing Committee, FAPCCI Ch. Kishore Kumar said the food processing industry, particularly the seafood processing sector, has been recognised as a key driver of industrial growth in AP. This sector presents significant opportunities for small businesses.
Technical sessions featured presentations from South Korean experts on various best practices in aqua and seafood processing. These included discussions on fish feed, drying and salting techniques, shrimp breeding technology, disease prevention methods, and innovative fish waste utilisation practices. Additionally, Korean standards for hygiene and safety in shrimp imports were addressed.
Chief Technical Advisor, Promoting Sustainable Enterprises in India (PSEI) ILO Sudipta Bhadra said the workshop acknowledged the value of such collaborative sessions in facilitating knowledge sharing and promoting the adoption of best practices for the benefit of the global aqua and seafood processing sector. This workshop served as a stepping stone towards strengthening India-South Korea collaboration and potentially unlocking new opportunities for Indian seafood exporters in the South Korean market.
