Myanmar’s marine export amounts 70% for saltwater, 30% for freshwater products

ACCORDING to the 2023-2024 fisheries production statistics, 70 per cent of Myanmar’s fish­ery exports consist of saltwater products, while 30 per cent are freshwater products.

Myanmar exports fish and shrimp to 42 countries, including European countries. During the 2023-2024 financial year, a total of 522,565.814 metric tonnes of fishery products were exported, earning US$729.422 million.

This year, due to the high production cost, the saltwater product arrivals to Yangon ports may depend on the availability of diesel when the fishing season reopens in July.

“A total of 70 per cent of fish­ery exports are saltwater prod­ucts, while 30 per cent are fresh­water products. We are exporting to 42 countries at present. Due to declining marine resources and high production costs, there may be fewer fishing operations at sea this year, which could reduce ma­rine exports. Therefore, we are seeing a shift toward prioritizing aquaculture in foreign countries. If modern aquaculture zones are developed domestically, Myan­mar can secure steady foreign income and overcome shortages in fishery products. Establishing a modern aquaculture zone could generate nearly $200 million annually,” said an official of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation.

In Pantanaw Township of Ayeyawady Region, fish farming is being carried out using mod­ern technology in a water area of over 3,000 acres. This project has now reached its seventh year, and agreements have already been signed with the US and Chi­na to export fishery products. Preparations are underway to begin exports this year. Under modern aquaculture systems, the fish population has increased significantly from 2,000-5,000 fish per pond to around 120,000 using scientific methods, and each pond can produce up to 120 tonnes.

In Myanmar, saltwater prod­ucts are exported for foreign income, while freshwater prod­ucts are consumed domestically. However, natural disasters and rising costs may disrupt produc­tion. Strengthening both marine and freshwater aquaculture will ensure a stable domestic supply and continuous export earnings, helping Myanmar become a reli­able regional exporter. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH