Vast coastline offers huge potential for marine products: Prabhu

The country's vast coastline provides huge potential for the domestic industry in terms of exploiting marine products and promoting exports, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said today.

"Our potential is understated because we have 7,600 km of coastline. We have 13 coastal states including UTs. So, you can imagine how much (potential is there)," he said here at a function of the Export Inspection Council.

The minister said the vast coastline provides immense opportunities for the industry and to make it the "food basket of the world".

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of marine products.

He said the industry also needs to work on standards and quality of those goods to promote brand India and shipments.

Prabhu said that the ministry is working on all these areas to help industry and push ease of doing business.

Emphasising on the importance of brand India, he said: "if brand India dilutes, we will not be able to get the vest value of our exports."