Penang to host global fisheries conference

Penang will be hosting the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) conference in 2024.

WorldFish interim director-general Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed (pic) said the conference would focus on the emerging concept of nutrition-sensitive fisheries and aquaculture.

“The conference will be headlined by the originator of the concept who is WorldFish global lead for nutrition and public health Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted,” he said during a press conference at Komtar.

He said Asia accounted for 70% of the global fishery and aquaculture industry in 2020 and Penang would be the third Asian city to host the conference after Nha Trang, Vietnam, in 2008 and Taipei, Taiwan, in 1994.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the event would see collaboration among WorldFish, Fisheries Department Malaysia and universities such as Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia.

“Malaysia with a nearly 4,700km-long coastline is very much a maritime nation.

“The fishery industry in Penang has expanded significantly since 2008 and is a major contributor to the country’s economy.

“As of 2014, Penang aquaculture production has overtaken fisheries and marine landings, with an annual value of more than RM1bil,” he said.

Essam Yassin highlighted the importance of strengthening the state’s agriculture sector to help keep food prices stable.

He said that in the future, any excess aquaculture production could be exported to further boost Penang’s GDP.

The conference is expected to draw about 350 industry representatives worldwide.

It will be held at Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau in Beach Street for three days in July 2024.