W.OA.T - November 17, 2011

W.OA.T - November 17, 2011 19:39 PM

Seafood Export To Hit RM3 Billion, Says Noh

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama)-- The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry expects total seafood export to increase to RM3 billion in 2011 from RM2.5 billion last year on the back of strong prospects for the industry.

"Malaysia has the potential to expand its world market share in this industry as Malaysian seafood products are well accepted in more than 45 countries worldwide," said its Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Malaysia International Seafood Exposition 2011 (MISE 2011) and Third International Symposium on Cage Aquaculture In Asia (CAA3) here Thursday.

He said the government has identified aquaculture as one of the main thrust areas under its Economic Transformation Programme, with three entry point projects under the National Key Economic Area related to aquaculture.

"Firstly, emphasis is given by the government to the development of the seaweed industry, and 12 companies have made a total investment of RM24 million to produce more than 16,000 metric tonnes annually worth RM66 million," he added.

Noh said two companies have invested a total of RM119.9 million in integrated cage aquaculture to produce more than 15,000 metric tonnes of tilapia and marine finfish a year valued at RM286 million.

He added six companies also invested RM473 million in integrated shrimp farming and are producing 39,000 metric tonnes of shrimp and shrimp products annually valued at RM575 million.

These investments, he said, will attract more local and foreign companies to join the industry, which generates some RM5 billion worth of fish and fish products annually.

The four-day exhibition for MISE 2011 wil be held from Nov 17 at the Putra World Trade Centre. The exhibition is open to the trade and public on the last day, while CAA3 will also be held concurrently on Nov 16-19.
BERNAMA