The government has initiated projects locally to develop fisheries sector with a long term objective to increase fish exports income to USD 1.3 billion by 2020 and further improve it to USD 05 billion by 2030.” Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. A ministerial delegation comprising Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayake and Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama are currently visiting Thailand for bilateral talks to develop fisheries sector in the country following a invitation extended by Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. “Sri Lankan fish and aquatic exports enjoy a high demand in the global market. We are still incapable of satisfying the existing high demand of fish exports. Thus we believe that as a result of the measures taken by the government, fish production will be raised by 100% by the year 2020.” he said. Minister Amaraweera also noted that Sri Lanka and Thailand share decades-long friendly relations. Diplomatic relations commenced in 1955 between the two countries. Thailand has been succeeded in the fisheries industry and particularly, the recent economic development achieved by Thailand is a classic example to the countries like Sri Lanka. It has placed a high priority in fisheries resources management including the fish resource in their attempts to raise national income levels. “Development of finfish species such as Grouper, Cobia and Pangasius, implementation of expedite aquatic resources development schemes, marine fish farming, ornamental fish farming, mariculture farming, fish culture in paddy fields, farming of vannamei prawn species, sea weed food items and popularizing them among the public shall be promoted.” he noted.