In what could be termed as a major boost to marine product exports from the State, the Export Inspection Council has approved the establishment of a testing lab for sea food and aqua products at Visakhapatnam. The foundation for the lab is likely to be laid by Union Minister of State for Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman on April 25.
The demand for establishing the lab in the State has been long pending, as majority of the shrimp culture exports in the country are made from the State.
Ms. Sitharaman said the BJP government was committed to development of the State. Towards this, the union government has identified Bheemavaram and Visakhapatnam as Centres of Excellence for improving exports from the State. These centres will be developed on par with those in Shanghai at China, she said while addressing media persons on the sidelines of participating in the Party Formation Day celebrations here on Monday.
“The BJP has done well within few months after coming into power. The previous government had made tall claims but could not deliver even in 20 years,” Ms. Sitharaman said.
“The Centre is working on different fronts for the development of the State. Just yesterday, the government sanctioned Rs. 1,600 crore for the State and much more was in store,” she said.
On the trade policy, Ms. Sitharaman said it was framed in consultation with exporters and there was no major criticism from the industry. It has been framed for a period of five years but could be modified or few amendments can be made after two or three years. Frequent modifications could have an adverse impact on the exporters’ confidence, she said.
Addressing the party cadre, Ms. Sitharaman wanted them to adhere to the five-point formula of the party in ensuring the party’s welfare and growth in the State. She said the party cadre should follow democratic principles in the party affairs, strive for national unity, development of all sections and communities in the society.
BJP State president K.Hari Babu, former Union Minister Krishnam Raju, former Union Minister Kavuri Sambasiva Rao and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.
Foundation for the lab is likely to be laid on April 25.
