‘No encouraging development’ in fishery sector policy, says official

When compared to its neighbouring countries, the fishery breeding sector in Myanmar is largely incompetent and cannot compete in the global market, says an official with the Myanmar Fishery Products Processors and Exporters Association (MFPPEA) at a public meeting on Tuesday.

According to the latest information, during fiscal year 2013-2014, the export value in the fishery sector decreased by US$ 116 million more than that in the previous year’s period.

“When we reviewed the fishery sector during the three-year period, there is no encouraging development,” stated Htun Aye, the chairperson of MFPPEA.

“It is the reality, not distortion. We want the fishery sector to be successful [but] Myanmar still cannot compete with neighbouring countries in global market.”

Htun Aye advised that the government should take steps to boost the fishery sector to earn more foreign revenue, as marine resources are abundant in the country.

Toe Nandar Tin, the vice-chairperson of MFPPEA echoed, “The government does not see the reality in this sector. There will be no development in the market unless fish and shrimp farmers can breed or process. Now, we’ve seen a decline of $ 8million in export value in just one month -- and this is not even the export season. This value will be only reduced again during the export season.”

Although Myanmar has approximately 450,000 fish and shrimp farms, most of them lack capital and technology and are unable to run their businesses properly.

source: Eleven Myanmar

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