The Association of Exporters (ADEX) expects that the export of aquaculture products (paiche, scallops, trout, shrimp and tilapia) will reach USD 250 million during 2013.
If that projection becomes true, a growth of between 21 per cent and 23 per cent will be recorded compared to 2012.
According to ADEX president, Eduardo Amorrortu, aquaculture product exports increased by 13 per cent between 2008 and 2012, indicating that the aquaculture industry has potential growth.
In the first nine months of 2013, the country exported 20,000 tonnes of aquaculture products for USD 196 million, according to Adex Business Intelligence System Data Trade.
To Amorrortu, the development of aquaculture in Peru involves encouraging species diversification and production areas at national level, reports the agency Andina.
"We have important areas on the coast, in the lakes and rivers in the mountains, and in the jungle. All this is a huge potential that we are not using," he added.
Meanwhile, the manager of Services and Catching Industries of ADEX, Susana Yturry stressed that paiche and scallop exports lead the growth this year driven by shipments to new markets: Thailand, Russia, China, Korea and Indonesia.
"In 2011 we had only 74 markets, in 2012 we managed to have 114 and we hope that in 2013 the number of already explored markets will amount to over 120 markets," she remarked.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Production (Produce) announced that before the end of the year the new aquaculture promotion and development act, which provides a fund to promote technological research in this area, will be ready, reported America Economica.
The deputy minister of Fisheries, Paul Phumpiu, argues that the only way to enhance the growth of the aquaculture industry is by promoting research to develop new areas for farming products that are successful in international markets. Among these products those that stand out are paiche, trout, shrimp, scallops and tilapia.