Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri Kezerce said that the main policy of the Ministry of Agriculture to develop the ocean-based economy is to increase fisheries production from the current 1.4 million tons to 1.8 million tons in the Seventh National Development Plan.
In the first year of implementation of these policies, significant measures were taken, with production increasing by more than 30 percent in various sectors such as sturgeon, pelagic and shrimp.
He emphasized that the country’s fishing production capacity is extensive and may exceed plans, and announced the government’s support for the development of the sector, particularly the ocean-based economy.
The Minister of Agriculture further pointed to the establishment of a Fisheries Working Group for the purpose of monitoring and planning in this sector, with the aim of providing infrastructure such as ports and other facilities, and explained that “focusing on the completion of value chains, including the development of hatching egg production and the export and processing of seafood products, is another priority of this policy.”
He considered strengthening and sustainable development of the ocean economy and more effective use of ocean resources as the government’s main approaches, and said, “In the field of maritime diplomacy, there are concrete plans, including negotiations, visits, and the development of exchanges.”
The Minister also pointed to the establishment of joint committees in the maritime field with capable countries, especially African and neighboring countries, and said that the main objective of these negotiations is to strengthen maritime relations and cooperation.
The exhibition will run until December 6th.
MNA/TT