Myanmar’s fisheries exporters continue to search for ways to add value to their produce.

EXPORTING value-added goods, as well as raw materials and fisheries products, could create jobs and bring in bigger earnings for Myanmar, a major exporter says.

U Nyo Min, chairman of the Myanmar Fisheries Products Processors’ and Exporters’ Association (MPEA), conceived this idea while participating with Myanmar and international participants at the recent THAI FEX, a major international food products exhibition held last month in Bangkok.

With more than 2500 booths, THAI FEX is one of the largest exhibitions in South East Asia, showcasing products, technologies and machinery from all over the world. Most of the products displayed are value-added – an example U Nyo Min thinks Myanmar should follow.

U Nyo Min thinks the necessary technology and expertise should be in place during the next three years.

“As the ASEAN Sea Food Federation has now been established this year, we believe that through closer cooperation and communication between the members, within three years we could absolutely upgrade the technology for the production of quality value-added products,” said U Nyo Min.

Myanmar could not do so at present because of “a lack of technology, machinery, investment and the ability to go into the international market”, he said.

“If raw materials are used to produce a product in-country rather than just exported, there would be more work for Myanmar people. As most of our raw materials are exported now without added value, it means potential jobs are being lost. We should at least start with semi value-added products, and earn more national income for Myanmar,” said U Nyo Min.

He cited as an example surimi, a frozen fish product produced and exported by Thailand.

No extra tax is imposed for the export of value-added fisheries products, unlike the procedure for teak, he said.