Fisheries exhibition a boost for fish trade - Deputy Minister

Shirley Wijesinghe

The International Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Exhibition IFESL 2008 will put Sri Lanka on the map of the global fishing industry, Deputy Fisheries Minister Neomal Perera said.

He was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the IFESL - 2008 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday.

Being the first of its kind in Sri Lanka the IFESL, is a pioneering effort by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL) which represents the Small and Medium Sector in this country, Deputy Minister Perera added.

Perera said almost 98 per cent of the fisheries industry hails from the private sector and the event covers the National fishing industry where various stakeholders such as policymakers, regulatory bodies, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, service providers and professionals from all corners of the world share skills, technical know-how, experience and information.

The exhibition is an ideal ground to encourage potential entrepreneurs and investors, both local and foreign to tap abundant resources that Sri Lanka is blessed with, he said.

The Deputy Minister said the exhibition would also be an educational experience to schoolchildren and the public to be aware of the many facets of the fishing industry.