Innovation needed to achieve Tk15,000cr fish export: Minister

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Abdur Rahman said today the fisheries sector can achieve Tk15,000 crore export target through innovative planning and its effective implementation to increase production.

At a workshop, organised by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), he said that the fisheries sector has been making outstanding contributions by providing safe animal feed, alleviating poverty, creating employment and earning foreign exchange.

Bida Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Mia presided over the workshop held at BIDA Multipurpose Hall in the capital.

He said, "Initiatives have been taken to ensure the conservation, development, stable production and maximum extraction of marine fisheries resources to develop the blue economy initiated by the historic maritime victory."

Highlighting the role of women in the sector, the minister added, "Approximately 1.95 million people, including about 1.4 million women, directly or indirectly, make a living through various activities in this sector. Due to the government's appropriate conservation, development, and sustainable production policies, the fisheries production has seen growth."

He also urged stakeholders to identify the challenges of this sector and find ways to solve them.

Lokman Hossain Miah said, "To build a developed Bangladesh, we all have to come forward and also keep a mindset for investment in various sectors."

He also called for increased investment in the fisheries sector, stating, "Through proper investment, we need to take steps to increase our fish production and exports."

Bida Executive Member Avijit Chowdhury, Research and Policy Integration for Development (Rapid) Executive Director Mohammad Abu Yusuf and Member of Parliament Ashek Ullah Rafiq also spoke at the event among others.