Orissa's marine export to touch 1000 crores by 2010

Bhubaneswar, July 1 (UNI) Union Minister of state for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today indicated that the export of marine products from Orissa will touch Rs 1000 crores by 2010.

Mr Ramesh, who held discussions with Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on diversification of export base, told newsmen that the Centre would extend all assistance to ensure that the export of marine products from the state increase manifold.

The Union Minister said last year the total exports from the state was Rs 5500 crores, of which the export of minerals accounted for 90 per cent.

Mr Ramesh said Orissa accounted for only 3 per cent of the total export of marine products in the country and last year it only exported marine products worth Rs 350 crores.

He, however, said that over the next five years, the export of marine products from the state would not only cross Rs 1000 crores but also create an additional 2 lakh job opportunities.

He said the Marine Product Export Development Agency (MPEDA) would work with Orissa government to further expand the shrimp production, aquaculture and export of scampi(fresh water prawn).

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