October 13, 2004
ASEAN Eyes Marine Aquaculture Market
Marine aquaculture offers an attractive alternative for ASEAN to supply quality tropical food fish at affordable prices.
Singapore's Second Minister for National Development Lim Swee Say noted that one challenge facing the grouping is the need to enhance food safety through the adoption of good aquaculture practices.
ASEAN countries are looking at a multi-billion dollar opportunity waiting to be tapped; they are in a good position to supply the world's markets, restaurants and dinner tables with high-quality fish at affordable prices.
The demand for seafood has been growing around the world. Last year Singaporeans ate just under 100,000 tons of fresh fish, or 23.5 kilos per person, one of the highest in Asia.
And with sea catch on the decline and not much growth potential in traditional fishing, marine aquaculture, or high-tech fish farming, has grown into a more than $100 billion market.
Singapore's Agri Veterinary Authority says it has been involved in developing the modern aquaculture technology here over the past 20 years.
But one of the more immediate concerns of consumers today is food safety. Hence, the importance of close collaboration between research institutes and the companies involved in developing aquaculture to allay the fears of consumers.
"One challenge we face is to enhance food safety through the adoption of good aquaculture practices to minimise the use of antibiotics and other drugs in culturing fish fry," Mr Lim said.
"The production of high-value products certified free from harmful chemicals will give producers in our region a competitive edge in capturing a bigger slice of the export markets." he said.
Singapore, the minister added, can play its part by helping with upstream research and also by serving as a regional gateway for the export of high-quality and safe seafood to the global markets.
It is also launching a programme with Norway to train a group of Indonesian fishermen in fish farming and management.
