Chile''s new fishing show Pesca Sur 2005 was officially launched last month by undersecretary for fisheries, Felipe Sandoval, saying it would reinforce the tremendous contribution that the fishing sector made to the country and be a meeting point for businessmen, scientists and researchers from all over the world.
It will take place in the port of Talcahuano, in the main fishing region of Bío Bío, from 8-10 March 2005. Rodrigo Sarquis, president of the Association of Fishing Industrialists of the Bío Bío Region (Asipes), said Pesca Sur would highlight and expand a sector which generated more than US$780 million in 2003.
"Around 68 per cent of extractive fishing in Chile is carried out in the Bío Bío region, providing 11,500 direct jobs. The sector also contributes to the development of Chilean aquaculture, through fish meal and fish oil production. We are also making efforts to focus our operations on manufacturing more and better products for direct human consumption," he said.
High hopes by Chile for a bigger market presence were emphasised by Roberto Izquierdo, president of the National Fishing Association (Sonapesca), who said "Pesca Sur will be an unsurpassable showcase, which may become the fundamental fishing fair if we consider that the Pacific Ocean is the principal fishing zone in the world. Chile has 3,27 million sq. km. of Exclusive Economic Zone."
The concurrent International Pesca Sur Conference, will address the challenges of the Chilean fishing industry and its position in a global and competitive economy.
Additional information on the exhibition can be obtained from the organisers Techno Press -- Margarita Vergara. www.pesca-sur.cl.
