LKIM READY TO COOPERATE WITH UAE PARTNERS

By Abdul Muin Majid

DUBAI, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia
(LKIM) is prepared to share its expertise with relevant parties in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) to further promote fisheries activities in this Gulf state.

This was conveyed in talks between LKIM director-general Mustafa Ahmad
and officials from UAE's Environment and Water Ministry as well as the Marine
Environment Research Centre (MERC) recently.

"We may be able to assist them in the area of aquaculture. They're also keen
to learn more about our fishing techniques such as the use of 'unjam'
(fish-attracting shelters)," he told Bernama.

Mustafa was in Dubai to lead the Malaysian delegation to the Third Dubai
Seafood Expo 2009 from Oct 12 to 14.

Malaysian experts, he said, may also be in the position to advise on how to
tackle the red tide phenomenon which occurred occasionally in UAE waters.

"We've had the same problem in Sabah. This is an opportunity for both sides
to pursue research and technical collaboration on this matter," said Mustafa.

According to him, Malaysia could also be of help in the area of fish-drying
technology.

Six Malaysian seafood producers took part in the seafood fair under the LKIM
umbrella in a bid to penetrate the Middle East market and beyond.

Malaysian agriculture consul in Dubai, Abdul Razak Ahmad, accompanied
Mustafa during his engagements here and Umm Al Quwain where the MERC is based.
-- BERNAMA