At the event he will meet with industry experts and key players in the aquaculture industry to discuss best practices and insights in meeting the growing demand for salmon from around the world.
While in Chile he has meetings with a number of Scottish companies who are looking to expand their businesses in the southern hemisphere. He also has number of bilateral government meetings including with Minsters from Norway and Chile. These will be to discuss a range of issues including energy, climate change and fisheries.
At the end of his visit he will also be attending the Homeless World Cup where he will meet and watch the Scottish team in action this weekend.
Mr Wheelhouse said: “I am delighted to be visiting Chile to help promote Scotland’s aquaculture sector and the excellent seafood we produce. This is an important industry especially in many of our rural communities. New estimates indicate Scotland’s Aquaculture sector is already worth £1.75 billion to the Scottish economy across the value chain.
“We have a global reputation as a land synonymous with quality, healthy and highly sought after seafood which is farmed to high standards of best practice, welfare and food hygiene in our pristine waters.
“I am fully supportive of the sustainable growth of salmon farming with due regard to the wider marine environment. I am pleased with the continued sustainable growth this year as production of Scottish farmed salmon is at its highest level in a decade.
“Events like AqauSur, and Aqua Nor in Norway, are a great opportunity for Scottish companies to showcase their products and services while looking to expand into new markets. They provide the occasion to discuss best practice on how to achieve international goals in the areas of food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
On the Homeless World Cup Mr Wheelhouse said: “I am looking forward to watching the Scottish team play. The World Cup provides an opportunity for them to represent their country and change their lives for the better and has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of homeless people since it began.
“I’ll also be meeting with Mel Young the Scottish president of the Homeless World Cup which he also co-founded in 2003. He has been a central figure in growing the event into what it is today.”
