In his press communiqué Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Malaysia, Y. B. Dato’ Wira Mohd Johari Bin Baharum said that it is pleasure to be a part of this global aquaculture and seafood leaders meet. It is indeed a great honor for him to be part of GOAL 2010, “the top international aquaculture seafood marketing conference.”
The conference was organised to discuss the future of the global aquaculture industry. He said that this meeting provide a unique opportunity to drive this industry forward in a way that meets the economic and environmental needs. Aquaculture can be one of the new sources of growth for food production in the world. There is a need of framework that fosters innovation, investment and trade.
It is no doubt that traditional and industrial aquaculture in Asia are contributing a large portion of global demand. Increasing aquaculture production has given rise to major issues and challenges that need to be addressed urgently. The minister also said that Malaysia will continue to develop and expand the market for aquaculture produce and fish-based products globally.
The minister also informed that the Malaysian government has established the Fisheries Bio-security Division in the middle of 2008 to ensure a sustainable aquaculture industry and food safety. The main role of this division is to implement official control along the supply chain, starting from primary production to the final process. It is also responsible for standard and international requirements for food quality, such as CODEX, SPS and EU requirements, and also for aquatic animal health based on OIE standards.
