Making the remarks in Iran’s 9th International Fisheries Industry Exhibition (IFEX 2025), the official pointed to the importance of developing and supporting the fisheries sector in the country and added: "The direct employment of approximately 300,000 people in the fisheries sector and the indirect employment of one million people in this field demonstrate the economic and social importance of this sector."

 

He referred to activities carried out in provinces such as Khuzestan, with the inauguration of new docks and the resolution of fishermen's problems, and described the fisheries sector as one of the pillars of sea-based development. He said: "In recent years, the focus has been more on land development, but now investment and infrastructure must also be strengthened at sea."

 

Rostampour considered the method of fish farming at sea as one of the important programs of fisheries and explained: "This year, by adding four fry breeding centers, we aim to produce this type of fish to about 10,000 tons."

 

Referring to the export of over $400 million worth of fisheries products in the first half of this year, he stated that about 80 percent of it includes shrimp, and its destinations are European and neighboring countries, Tehran Times Reported.

 

The deputy minister of agriculture emphasized the importance of supplying the domestic market and reducing the price of aquatic products for consumers, adding: "Warm-water fish have high protein, and their consumption plays a significant role in people's health."

 

He added: "By reducing production costs and increasing productivity, the price of fisheries products in the domestic market can be reduced so that people can benefit from healthy and high-quality food."

 

Iran’s 9th International Fisheries Industry Exhibition (IFEX 2025) was held during December 3-6 at the Tehran Permanent International Fairground.