Peru's fishery exports for direct human consumption may triple from US$1 billion to US$3 billion by 2021, National Society of Industries (SNI) projected on Sunday.
"If we keep the policy aimed at promoting fishing for direct human consumption, we could triple [Peruvian fishery] exports, currently at US$1 billion, by the end of this administration," SNI Fishing and Aquaculture Committee Chair Alfonso Miranda told Andina news agency.
Likewise, the officer forecasted this industry will create at least 500,000 formal jobs by 2021.
He went on to add prawn exports may —in the short term— double from the US$150 million registered in 2016.
Said expansion may be underpinned by the agreements Peru will sign with China in the coming weeks.
On the other hand, Miranda highlighted Peru's potential for aquaculture activities, given its more than 3,000 km of coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, as well as a large number of rivers and lakes within its territory.
It must be noted Peruvian aquaculture sector is driven by shipments of prawns, mollusks and paiche fish, among other products with great potential such as: seaweeds, highly demanded as nutritional supplements and beauty products.
2017
Miranda also projected exports of fishery products for direct human consumption may reach US$1.2 billion in 2017.
Finally, he expressed optimism regarding the future of Peruvian fishing industry in the coming years.
He also expects some measures to be adopted soon concerning anchovy fishing for human consumption, aquaculture promotion, formalization and oil activity regulations, among others.
(END) MDV/MDV/JAA/MVB