Fish exports contribute significantly to the economies of many developing countries as a major source of hard currency earnings and employment opportunities. Increased trade opportunities on the most lucrative fish markets can improve the wealth of developing countries for better economic development and access to employment and food security. These countries need assistance to consolidate their market shares in a manner compatible with environmental protection and national food security objectives and to ensure that fish trade is adequately addressed in international regulatory frameworks.

FAO's works aims to improve access to fish marketing and trade information and capacity of analysts, policy-makers and negotiators of developing countries to identify and effectively pursue trade opportunities. It further p romote the availability, exchange and use of fishery trade information in order to foster increased trade and enhanced food security.

Activities focus on:

• improving domestic fish markets
• market access and market entry requirements

Developing countries are assisted to participate effectively in international fish trade. Support is provided to the deliberative forum (COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade), as well as the global fish marketing network (InfoNetwork and GLOBEFISH) with its ability to compile, analyse and maintain up-to-date marketing and trade information and provide technical advisory services.

These activities benefit fishers and workers in processing plants and distribution systems; and also for improved conditions for women, who are often a majority in the fish processing sector. Government trade analysts and policy-makers, the fish industry, trade negotiators and international and regional fisheries organizations also gain from FAO activities.