October 27, 2010

 

Malaysian seafood firms scour for export markets

Malaysia's seafood producers are searching for export opportunities in many parts of the world due to stringent conditions imposed by the EU on Malaysian seafood products.

 

Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia's (LKIM) marketing division director Mohari Mohamad Tamin said this was necessary as there was a need to keep up the export of such products.

 

"LKIM and our seafood producers have taken part in all major seafood shows so far this year like the ones in Boston, Tokyo, China and now Dubai. We also attended smaller events in Vietnam and Cambodia, and we'll be there for a similar event in Perth soon," he said.

 

Mohari said attempts were being made on the part of Malaysian seafood suppliers to regain their footing in the EU market which required compliance with certain food and health standards for seafood products. According to him, some countries are now following in the footsteps of the EU in implementing rigorous requirements on such items.

 

"We need to increase the level of awareness among our industry players on these developments. Otherwise, they'll be caught unaware and our seafood industry will suffer," he said.

 

The fisheries official cautioned that failure to comply with certain standards and requirements may result in Malaysia losing out on advantages under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

 

It involves non-reciprocal concessions under which developed countries allow duty-free or low-duty entry to imports from selected developing countries up to a certain limit or quota.

 

Six Malaysian companies are taking part in the Dubai seafood show-Ambang Wibawa Sdn Bhd, Seiko Marine Sdn Bhd, Prodigy Technology Sdn Bhd, Global Goodway Sdn Bhd, An-Nur Food Industries, and Rex Canning Co Sdn Bhd.