Bhubaneswar: 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 of India will benefit the socio economic development of all coastal states including Odisha.
The seafood Exporters Association of India – Odisha Region’s President Dr. Kamalesh Mishra mentioned 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 recognized the immense potential for cooperation in various industries, including fisheries and seafood export.
Highlighting the immense potential for local growth and development of MSMEs in the seafood sector through value chain development, Mr. Bibhuti Bhushana Dash, Special Secretary, Department of MSME Odisha, emphasized 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. Recognizing 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.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) through ‘Promoting Sustainable Enterprises in India or PSEI initiative’ funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (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.
‘Building mutual trust is the first step in market linkages’ said Choi Byeong Dae, one of the experts visiting the state. ‘Odisha is resource-rich and there is huge potential for new product development in pharmaceuticals, beauty, and pet food, which can be explored alongside food consumption’, he further added.
Archiman Lahiri, Deputy Director, MPEDA regional division, Bhubaneshwar emphasized on 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 added ‘ Odisha can offer quality black tiger shrimp’
The collaboration between India and South Korea in boosting seafood export from India will have multi-faceted benefits.
