The export of fresh water farmed fish to Saudi Arabia will begin in the next 2025-2026 financial year, said Dr. Toe Nanda Tin, Senior Vice President of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation.
Saudi Arabia reportedly does not accept fish from fish ponds that are raised together with chickens and pigs. Most local fish farms breed fish together with chickens and it created difficulties for exporting. Therefore, the preparations have been done to collect fish from the ponds practicing the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) system, said Dr. Toe Nandar Tin, Senior Vice President of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation.
Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) means the breeding aquatic animals in accordance with international food safety standards and regulations without causing environmental impact. Currently, Myanmar freshwater and saltwater fish were regularly exported to Saudi Arabia and earned US$ 100 million, estimated the exporters.
Myanmar exports 20 different fish varieties including hilsa, perch, carp, barbus and catfish as well as shrimp, crab and other aquatic products to more than 40 countries including Japan, China, Thai and European countries. Myanmar exported aquatic products and earned more than US$ 500 million in nine months in current 2024-2025 financial year, said the Myanmar Fisheries Federation.
