India keen to extend agreement with Bangladesh on fisheries

India has expressed its keenness to extend its current agreement on fisheries with Bangladesh for promotion of aquaculture with the neighbouring country.

The agreement, signed in September 2011, is set to expire in six months. It could be extended if the two countries agree to its continuation.

“The MoU has strengthened the friendly relations between India and Bangladesh and boosted cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture and allied sectors through mutually agreed activities and procedures,” a government official said.

A  Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Bangladesh.

Officials said that the agreement provides for training of people in fish stock assessment, post-harvest technology, freshwater pearl culture, Hilsha fisheries management, protection of biological diversity vis-a-vis fisheries development, fish production and distribution.

“The MoU will remain in force for a period of five years unless either of the parties gives prior written notice at least six months in advance to the other party of its intention to terminate the MoU,” the official said.

“This MoU could be extended for further period as may be mutually agreed upon,” the official added.