@fao-KSA overview of the exhibition

The final day of the forum "Investment Opportunities in Aquaculture" which has been inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Ben Salman Prince of Medina, witnessed the participation of 21 International Experts from Asia, Europe and Americas. The Experts, during the whole workshop, have presented the successful experiences of their respected countries in Aquaculture sector. They have also responded to the questions raised by top Saudi Businessmen, Stakeholders, as well as, the participants who came from different sectors for the purpose of encouraging them to invest in this vital and important sector, which is considered as the most important and potential economic investment in KSA. Broad range of varied scientific topics have been discussed during the workshop attended by Experts from KSA, UAE, Italy, Norway, Greece, Turkey, Britain, India, Spain, Malaysia, USA and Myanmar.
The representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in KSA Dr. Abubakr Abdulaziz Mohammed mentioned that the forum has played distinguished role in the field of information exchange and transfer of Expertise among the participants, Businessmen and beneficiaries. He consequently asserted that this role might have a positive impact on the future investments in the Aquaculture Sector. He also stressed that the modern statistics confirm that the Saudi per capita consumption rate of fish reached 11.5 kg annually as compared with the global annual rate 18.5 kg. He also noted that the forum is organized by Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Dr. Abu Bakr also explained that the forum that lasted for two successive days, featured an associated exhibition that included 37 local and International Companies that presented their products for Investors and visitors, as well as, organizing scientific Seminars on the important approaches, methodologies and international experiences in the field of Aquaculture. He also added that the technical cooperation between Ministry of Agriculture and FAO indubitably afforded a flexible tool for the enhancement of the Ministry's capacities in the agricultural development. The program currently includes 16 projects covering many different domains, including the project of strengthening and supporting further development of Aquaculture in KSA, through which Jeddah Fisheries Research Centre has been supported via strengthening the technical capacities of the staff, as well as improving the infrastructures of the Centre.
Dr. AbuBakr also said that during the current period, an Atlas of the potential and promising areas of the floating cages Aquaculture in the Red Sea has been prepared. in addition to the development of the technical guidelines to select the areas of marine cages Aquaculture, development of standard forms to apply for marine cages licenses, beside the development of a full technical and economic feasibility study of a medium size cage aquaculture farm for the Fishermen cooperative of Thuwal. Furthermore, the step also included the development of more than 20 of training activities including, workshop seminars and study tours abroad through which 220 participants have been trained. The FAO Representative added that, in the framework of the emerged national orientations, the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO have already concluded a partnership agreement on the project of "Saudi Blue Growth" as one of the strategic priorities for the next period of cooperation during (2016-2021). The project includes three major components that range from the establishment and operationalization of efficient and effective system to apply statistical methods to monitor and control Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the sustainable expansion and the responsible intensification of aquaculture in the marine and inland waters, development and implementation of best management practices and quality control measures in marine fisheries and aquaculture.
From his part, the CTA of FAO in the field of aquaculture in KSA Mr. Francisco Cardia indicated that marine aquaculture industry is emerging in kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that there is a growing interest between the International and Saudi Businessmen to invest in this sector, due to its very positive profits and the attractive markets.
FAO Expert to Rome, Mr Alisandro Lofatily, who attended the forum, pointed out that the growing global interest in fish industry is due to the significance of fish as a food that contributes to the global food security. He noted that there are very important lines made by KSA to increase and sustain fish production through enabling the appropriate environment for the investors in this crucial industry, as well as the expansion in the production of marine species that might have good and positive profits in addition to creating job opportunities and contribution to food security.