Kerala Fishermen's Coordination Committee (KFCC) has given a call for a protest march to Parliament on November 11. “NO to Import of Fish Products” is the demand as the fisherman express their opposition to the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and ASEAN countries. KFCC is one of the organisations of the Kerala Fishermen Trade Union.

It is a known fact that India and 10 South East Asian countries signed the FTA on August 13, 2009. According to this agreement, several fish products will be permitted to be imported at reduced costs (without duties). This Agreement is going to have a very adverse impact on the livelihood and earnings of about 10 lakh of Kerala's fishermen and others associated with fishing. Kerala's fishermen were already reeling under the impact of increased investment and maintenance costs and even a reduction of Re.1 in the price of their produce would put a very heavy toll on them. There have been many protests in Kerala against the FTA and now the call has been given for a march on Parliament in Delhi.

Very often the catch from the seas off the coasts of the ASEAN countries is like that off the coast of Kerala, given the similarity of the ocean and climate. However, the catch in these ASEAN countries is much more than the domestic demand and hence their desire to export the fish and fish products to Kerala. Further, the quality specifications of these products have been relaxed considerably and this could pose health hazards.

K.F.C.C. calls on all workers and people's organisations to join the demonstration in large numbers.