Maritime Affairs and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti hoped that the visitors and prospective buyers of fishery products at the seafood exhibition in Boston, the United States, would recognize the progressive market and potential of Indonesia.
“With our sincere efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the people will witness a rapid growth in our fishery products,” the minister noted on the sidelines of the seafood fair held in Boston on Sunday local time.
The minister was also optimistic of receiving valuable feedback from both the exhibitors and visitors to boost the exports of its maritime products and to garner global recognition.
“I also hope that the Indonesian fishery businessmen would engage in fishing in a responsible manner,” Susi said, adding that the Indonesian fishery community is not only selling the products but also engaging in rightful fishing practices and not violating IUU.
The minister also urged the Indonesian businessmen to continue developing the fishing industry in ways that are environment-friendly.
“I see a great opportunity for the exports of Indonesian marine products, although there are still obstacles to be faced, and certainly, we can solve such problems,” she emphasized.
Susi also gave assurance to the Indonesian maritime businessmen that curbing illegal fishing would open up a larger market, and thus, they must follow the international regulation on fishing.
“The Indonesian fishery businessmen have been urged to follow responsible and sustainable fishing practices,” Susi remarked.
As many as 17 fishery companies, including PT. Central Proteina Prima, Tbk, Sustainable Fisheries, Sekar Bumi, PT. Wahyu Pradana Binulia, PT Permata Marindo Jaya, and Kudatama Mas had showcased their products at the Indonesian pavilion during the seafood exhibition.