Brazil may export fish to China and thus extend the market beyond what is consumed locally. This declaration comes from Minister José Fritsch, of the Brazilian Secretariat of Aquiculture and Fishing.
The Minister’s projection is based on the results of the Brazil-China Expo fair, held in three Chinese cities from August 27 to September 9.
The Minister recalled that the Chinese are the world’s largest producers of fish: 34 million tons, annually. But to satisfy the domestic market, made up of 1.3 billion consumers, the Chinese are seeking to expand production.
“In China there is no more water available to expand fish production. Chinese technicians can transmit their technology for Brazil to produce in its reservoirs and export to that country,” Fritsch revealed.
The Minister’s expectation is for Brazil to export tilapia, pirarucu, and, most of all, shrimp.
The president of the Institute of International Cooperation, Wladmir Pomar, who organized the Brazil-China Expo fair, pointed out that it is necessary to gain a deep acquaintance of China’s trade concerns, since the country is currently emerging as a great market.
Through the fair, Chinese officials were able to get to know Brazilian products presented by a commission formed of 100 entrepreneurs.
Negotiations between the two countries are at an advanced stage. A memorandum of understanding should be signed in the beginning of November, when the President of China will visit Brazil.
Trips to China by Brazilian technicans are already planned, and a Chinese mission will come to Brazil next year to gauge the fish production potential of Brazilian waters.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein