October 14, 2009

Malaysian seafood producers have been urged to improve their operations and look further afield for growth, including the Middle East market.

The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) director-general Mustafa Ahmad said the region offered vast potential for Malaysian-made seafood products.

Mustafa said Malaysia exported MYR3.7 million (US$1.1 million) worth of seafood products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January to June this year, up by almost 70 percent over the same period last year.

According to him, Malaysian fish breeders should also get into the act of breeding in-demand items, such as tilapia.

His sentiment was shared by Malaysia's Dubai-based consultant for agriculture Abdul Razak Ahmad, who said that the UAE was a good platform for the Malaysian seafood industry players to expand into the Middle East and surrounding areas.

On another note, Mustafa viewed certain restrictions imposed by the EU on Malaysian seafood products as a blessing in disguise, as the producers involved had to scout for opportunities in other markets, including the Middle East.

He said that they are taking measures to fulfill the EU's conditions with a view to widen the export base for Malaysian seafood products, not only to Europe but also other countries that may adopt its standards.

According to him, six Malaysian seafood firms had been allowed to export their products to Europe after meeting the EU requirements.