Seafood exports set to cross $10 billion by 2020: Anand Sharma

CHENNAI: The country's seafood exports are set to double and cross the $10 billion mark by 2020, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Anand Sharma said.

"By 2020, India's seafood exports will double and cross the $10 billion mark and by next year, the (export) number will cross $5.3 billion", he said here today after inaugurating the 19th India International Seafood Show 2014.

The expo, considered one of the biggest in the region, is organised by The Marine Products Export Development Authority and Seafood Exporters Association of India.

"Exports would reach $4.3 billion by March 2014 and by next year, it would definitely cross the $5.3 billion mark," he told reporters later.

He added that some of the steps taken by Marine Products Export Development Authority and Seafood Exporters Association of India have led to the increase in exports.

Besides, "when we create breeding centres, multiplication centres and the cold chain facilities", exports would increase," he added.