MALAYSIAN SEAFOOD EXPORTERS CAST THEIR NET WIDER

By Abdul Muin Majid

DUBAI, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysian seafood producers are scouring for export
opportunities in many parts of the world against the backdrop of stringent
conditions imposed by the European Union (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," he told
Bernama on the sidelines of the Dubai Seafood Expo 2010 here.

"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.

The three-day exhibition ends Wednesday.
-- BERNAMA