It has been quite a challenge organising the event this time around from a promotional and administrative point of view in the light of the present socio/economical situation. However, conscious of the need for companies to be able to attend events of this magnitude in order to keep trading, we have worked harder than ever to bring together an exhibition which we hope will surpass all the previous ones held in this town in terms of quality, efficiency and sheer professionalism.
In 2003, the World Fishing Exhibition surpassed all our expectations in terms of participation with over 800 companies from some 80 countries. This suggested that for this edition we would need to increase the available space and so we have by over 3,000m2. We have also diversified with the simultaneous organisation of a new exhibition for aquaculture which was in heavy demand by the Spanish sector. The Aqua Farming International exhibition makes its debut therefore alongside the World Fishing Exhibition with over 100 exhibitors taking part.
An outstanding feature of this exhibition will be the celebration of two big parallel events: the Fifth Fisheries Ministers Conference and the First World Summit on Fisheries Sustainability.
Both of these events would not be possible without the support and dedication of our Minister for the Environment, Agriculture and Marine Affairs as well as the Secretary General for the Sea. Both of these entities have become actively involved in the celebration of two meetings which will endeavour to outline new rules of governance for the fishing industry in a bid to maintain economical viability whilst guaranteeing the future sustainability of fish stocks from a biological point of view.
Hard work and coordination have been fundamental to the success of an event which will enable the creation of a good business and working climate for professionals from the fishing sector.
At Vigo '09 visitors will be able to find all the latest technology and advances for both the fishing and the fish farming sectors. A large display of cables and nets, deck and handling machinery, navigational and fish finding equipment, materials for fishing activities and security, food and cages for the aquaculture industry, shipbuilders and, new this year, companies showing machinery for the processing and transformation of fish for the canning industry.
What more can we add about Vigo? Its selection as the base for the World Fishing Exhibition could be justified in recognition of its importance as a fishing centre, but it is about much more than that.
The Port of Vigo, with its modern installations, the auction bays and fish market, the high level of fresh and frozen fish offloaded here is among the hierarchy of the important European ports. Neither must we forget that apart from the development of the primary industry, a whole parallel fishing industry has been born and developed to its widest definition creating a myriad of companies such as canners and modern fish processor plants, fishmeal companies, shipyards, auxiliary deck machinery manufacturers, nets and cables, electronics etc.
I look forward to welcoming visitors to Vigo, a city situated on the northwest coast of Spain in the autonomous community of Galicia; a community which aside from its wealth of fish, has much to offer in terms of history and tradition, full of cultural attractions.
Visitos will definitely be able to enjoy our succulent gastronomy presided over by a variety of fish and shellfish, the best white wines that Spain produces and, of, course the people, infused with the spirit of the Sea.
