Mideast A Good Bet For Malaysian Seafood Products, Says Official
By Muin Abdul Majid
DUBAI, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- 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 Datuk Mustafa Ahmad said the region offered vast potential for Malaysian-made seafood products.
Speaking to Bernama ahead of the Dubai Seafood Expo 2009 here, he said Malaysia exported RM3.7 million worth of seafood products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January-June this year, up by almost 70 per cent over the same period last year.
"We're also willing to share our expertise and collaborate with relevant parties in the UAE on matters concerning fisheries if they so desire," he said.
Mustafa is leading a delegation comprising representatives from six Malaysian seafood industry players to the seafood fair.They are Seiko Marine Products Sdn Bhd, National Fishermen's Association of Malaysia, Ambang Wibawa Sdn Bhd, Butterworth Iceworks Sdn Bhd, Ocean Pac Sdn Bhd and Golden Fresh Sdn Bhd.
LKIM is the agency in charge of promoting and developing an effective management of fisheries enterprises as well as the marketing of fish and related products.
According to Mustafa, Malaysian fish breeders should also get into the act of breeding in-demand items, such as the tilapia.
"If they do it right, they can surely penetrate the Dubai or UAE market as such and beyond," he said.
His sentiment was shared by Malaysia's Dubai-based consul for agriculture Abdul Razak Ahmad, who said that the Emirate 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 European Union (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.
"But we're taking measures to fulfill the EU's conditions with a view to widening the export base for Malaysian seafood products, not only to Europe but also other countries that may adopt its standards," he said.
According to him, six Malaysian seafood firms had been allowed to export their products to Europe after meeting the EU requirements.
"But we want more of our companies to be able to penetrate the European market," he explained.
The seafood fair runs from today till Oct 14 at the Madinat Jumeirah.
-- BERNAMA