FIFE: Boosting Seaweed‑Industry Cooperation and Development between ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea

The 2024 China (Fuzhou) International Seafood & Fisheries Expo (FIFE) opened in Fuzhou on May 31. Parallel to the expo, the Marine Economy and Fisheries Development Forum themed “Seaweed‑Industry Cooperation among ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea” was held in the city.

The forum brought together representatives from government authorities, industry associations, enterprises, universities and research institutes of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Upholding the Spirit of the Silk Road featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, it aims to advance joint research, technology demonstration, education & training, industrial investment and trade cooperation for the seaweed sector among Belt‑and‑Road partner countries, and drive high‑quality regional cooperation.

Simon Wilkinson, Senior Programme Officer and Representative of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia‑Pacific (NACA), noted that the seaweed industry carries great significance for economic growth and ecological conservation. “China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and the Republic of Korea are global leaders in seaweed aquaculture and trade, making tremendous contributions to the seaweed market. It is our hope that through joint multi‑party efforts, we can promote high‑quality, wholesome seaweed products, step up research and development, guarantee the sustainable growth of the industry, and push forward global progress of the seaweed sector.”

Alfredo III Pedrosa, President of the ASEAN Seaweed Association Consortium, stated that ASEAN nations including Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia deliver massive seaweed output for the global marketplace. He expressed hopes for deeper cooperation with China to elevate the seaweed industry to new heights, deliver shared gains for all member states, and foster cross‑border sea‑industry collaboration and development.

Hiroshi Nozaki, President of Du Food Industry Co., Ltd., said ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea boast abundant seaweed resources ready for targeted development. Participants should collaborate to share scientific research outcomes and strengthen the development and utilisation of seaweed resources. Going forward, his firm will roll out better‑processed products and reinforce the cooperation mechanism covering ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

On the same day, two ceremonies took place: the plaque‑unveiling for the Demonstration Base of China‑ASEAN “The Belt and Road” Joint Laboratory of Mariculture Technology, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the China Seaweed Industry Association and the Indonesian Seaweed Association.

During FIFE, a dedicated ASEAN‑China‑Japan‑ROK Seaweed Industry Pavilion was set up, showcasing the world’s most representative seaweed products and technologies.