Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture revealed that the volume of exports of fish farming projects produced in 2017 exceeded 37,000 tons, valued at one billion riyals ($ 266.6 million).
Undersecretary Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayedah said the 35,000 tons of fish were exported mainly to Asian markets, topping all other exporting countries.
He pointed out that the increase in exports reflected progress brought about by the National Transformation 2020, which put out a strategy to raise production at fish farms to 100 thousand tons by 2020.
“Saudi Arabia was followed by Europe, Arab countries and the USA), he said.
The ministry has reviewed over 50 investment and commercial opportunities in a number of sectors at a business held in Al-Qassim Region.
The forum’s objective was to create a promising investment environment for sustainable development by offering opportunities in environment, water and agriculture sectors. It also worked on facilitating communication between investors and receiving outlets.
Most notably, the forum briefed investors on the ministry’s plan-of-action for the sector.
Ayedah also revealed the completion of the equipment needed to start the Saudi GAP system to improve agricultural practices in the Kingdom.
Saudi GAP, responding to the Kingdom’s agricultural requirements and after completing preparations for the launch of SGAP, will regulate agricultural practices, guaranteeing safe and healthy agricultural products while maintaining the integrity of farms and environmental resources.
The system was prepared in accordance with the best international standards and benefited from successful experiences in the world. A delegation from the ministry headed by Saudi Al-Jaber visited the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Tokyo, Japan, for the implementation of the Japanese JGAP system and its regulations.