Aquatic Asia 2011

The aquaculture business in Asia remains strong. In the first half of 2010, the industry remained intact and hinted at even brighter prospects.

Tilapia farming, for example, has become the shining star of aquaculture. Farms for this have expanded across the globe; consumption of tilapia is racing ahead of even the most ambitious farm building planners. 2010 will see farmed tilapia exceeding 3.2 million metric tons, surging ahead of even the salmon industry.

In Thailand, the country’s Fisheries Department has finalised its second strategic plan for shrimp, focusing on managing exports in the lucrative industry through 2012. Thailand plans to produce between 500,000 and 550,000 tonnes of shrimp over this period, mostly vannamei, or white, shrimp, with up to 90 per cent of output to be exported.

The Philippines’ aquaculture industry is gearing up to export full-cycle farmed groupers to lucrative live markets in Asia. In fact, the Philippines is one of the main exporters of live groupers to Hong Kong and therefore greater China.

Viet Nam seafood exports totalled US$861 million in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 14.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. Catfish and frozen shrimp were other key export products, totaling $184.3 million and $128.3 million respectively.

“This impressive amount of business being done simply advances and advances throughout the continent. However, Asian aquacultrure is facing challenges, namely import barriers and fierce competition among other exporters with their low prices, quality and good delivery,” said Ms Ladda Mongkolchaivivat, general manager, N.C.C. Exhibition Organiser Co., Ltd., (NEO).

She added: “Aquatic Asia 2011, which is a show dedicated for the Asian aquaculture industry, is going to be a marketplace that gives buyers and suppliers in aquaculture in the Asian-Pacific region a unique opportunity to explore market trends as well as technology solutions for their aquatic businesses. Besides aquaculture, Aquatic Asia 2011 will include a strong focus on algae production and involve other activities such as mariculture and capture-based aquaculture.”

Following the launch of Aquatic Asia 2011 in Viet Nam last June, greater interest has been evidenced from the Asian aquaculture community. The simple fact is that Aquatic Asia is the first show fully dedictaed for the Asian aquaculture community. And with its strong focus in technology and business solutions, it is a must-attend event for those in the industry. Solutions are needed now because the industry must improve production efficiency to cater to growing demand from consumers.

Aquatic Asia 2011 focuses on research & development and production and marketing of four main categories for aquaculture. These are: Fish, Molluscs, Crustaceans and Algae. The organisation aims to bring 50 dedicated Aquaculture suppliers in contact with 5,000 trade visitors. The exhibitor number does not include the more than 150 suppliers at VIV Asia 2011, who will also display some of their products for aquaculture.

In addition to the trade show, there will be seminars and conferences. For example, “Aquatic Asia 2011 Seminar Programme” is a series of 1-hour product presentations and company visions by exhibitors. “The Aquatic Asia 2011 Conference” is a programme of non-commercial industry presentations about trends and developments. (Interested companies are invited to hand in any proposals to VNU Exhibitions.)

According to the Director of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Mrs Supawan Teerarat, “TCEB is most delighted to join ‘VIV Asia 2011 press activities and road shows. We are most proud and delighted to offer our full support and renderings to NCC Exhibition Organizer (NEO) as the organiser to promote VIV Asia. which will be held from 9-11 March 2011 at BITEC, Bangkok. VIV Asia 2011 is one of the shows under the slogan, ‘Better the Best.’ Meaning, creating effective marketing strategies for lifting up and increasing the competency of Thailand product exhibitions into the absolute best in this region of Southeast Asia and ultimately beyond.

“Thailand is ASEAN’s hub and the perfect business platform for the MICE industry. It is a place where opportunities lie everywhere and are within your reach. TCEB, as the government agency under the supervision of Prime Minister Office, is working dedicatedly to promote the country by rendering all possible support to the organizers who would like to organize these type of events in Thailand.

We have created a support campaign entitled ‘100 A-HEAD’. This 100 A-Head visitor promotion focuses on travel agents, international and local associations and chambers of commerce. All are entitled to gain $100 for every delegate visiting an exhibition in Thailand. The condition is that delegates must have at least 15 people with a minimum stay of 3 days/2nights in Thailand.

“With such complete and effective support, we truly believe that exhibitions held in Thailand are destined to be very successful. Indeed, this year, Thailand’s MICE industry is expected to attract half a million business travelers, with projected revenues from these travelers totaling around 41 billion baht.

“Thailand has an impressive record of growth as an exhibition capital, and in 2010 we expect the sector to grow by up to 10 per cent,” concludes Mrs Supawan.

For more information about Aquatic Asia 2011, please contact Mr. Wara Rujataronjai – Communicaton Manager, N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co., Ltd., at phone: +66 2 203 4241, fax: +66 2 203 4250 and e-mail: wara@qsncc.com or visit Aquatic Asia 2011 website at www.aquatic-asia.net