onths still to go before the event, the show's organizer Diversified Communications reports that exhibitor bookings for this year are significantly ahead compared to the corresponding period in 2013. To date, 84 exhibitors from 23 countries, an increase of 17 companies over the same period last year, have confirmed their participation in the show.Suppliers of seafood products, services and processing equipment have already reserved more than 1,400 square meters of exhibition space for Seafood Asia Expo. Welcoming both returning exhibitors and new participants, particular highlights for this year include a host of national and regional pavilions representing all parts of the world from Canada to Australia.
"We are delighted to say that we are ahead of last year's pace in signing up new exhibitors," said Ms. Terri Tsang, Show Director of Seafood Expo Asia.
"Asia is definitely a driving force in the world trade of fish and seafood and for 2014 we are seeing exhibitors come from as far away as South America and the United States confirming the optimism shared for this region."
Ms. Tsang's remarks are illustrated by a recent World Bank report which estimates that by 2030, 62 per cent of the seafood we eat will be farm-raised to meet growing demand from regions such as Asia, where approximately 70% of fish will be consumed. By 2030, Asian countries will also account for 70 per cent of global fish production.
"China's influence will continue to remain high," said Ms. Mary Larkin, Group Vice President of Seafood Exposition for Diversified Communications.
"Today, China is the world's largest producer, consumer, importer and exporter of seafood and fishery products handling more than 35% of global production. As the mainland expands its consumption, especially for premium varieties of fish and seafood, demand for high quality product is expected to grow."
The significant presence of local, regional and international fish and aquaculture companies participating and exhibiting each year at Seafood Expo Asia reinforces Hong Kong's position as the epicenter of Asia's booming seafood market and a strategic gateway for trade in the region.
