Within the global expansion of the seafood trade, Brazil sees an unprecedented opportunity to leverage its fishing industry. The sectoral project Brazilian Seafood, a collaboration between the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil) and the Brazilian Association of Fish Industries (ABIPESCA), emerges as a significant milestone in this endeavor. Signed with a total investment of over R$ 8 million, this project promises to boost the production and exportation of Brazilian seafood, strengthening the country’s position in the global market.
Context and Project Objectives
The signing ceremony of the agreement, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) in Brasília, marked the joint commitment of the two institutions to develop the brazilian fishing sector. Jorge Viana, president of ApexBrasil, highlighted the historical importance of this agreement, emphasizing Brazil’s potential to become a significant participant in the global seafood trade. With only 0.23% of the global market share, there is ample room for growth, especially considering the country’s abundant natural resources, such as its extensive coastlines and freshwater reserves.
Initiatives and Project Goals
One of the main goals of Brazilian Seafood is to empower small and medium-scale producers to actively participate in the international seafood trade. Eduardo Lobo, president of ABIPESCA, emphasized the importance of this aspect, noting that many producers aspire to enter the export market but lack guidance and adequate resources. In this sense, the project will not only offer training and capacity-building but also seek to promote equal opportunities among the various stakeholders in the fishing industry.
Additionally, Brazilian Seafood plans a series of strategic actions for the year 2024. This includes participation in renowned international trade fairs such as Seafood Boston, Barcelona, and the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo. Such events will provide a crucial platform to promote Brazilian seafood products and establish contacts with potential global buyers. Furthermore, the project will organize events in Brazil aimed at attracting international buyers and promoting the image of the national fishing industry.
Inclusion and Sustainable Development
A notable aspect of Brazilian Seafood is its commitment to inclusion and sustainable development. During Seafood Brazil, a Women’s Fishing Forum is scheduled, demonstrating the project’s efforts to promote women’s participation in the fishing industry and ensure an inclusive and equitable approach. Additionally, the project aligns with broader initiatives to strengthen the production chain, such as Export More Brazil Fish and the Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. These measures aim not only to expand exports but also to ensure the quality, sustainability, and competitiveness of the Brazilian fishing sector in the global market.
The sectoral project Brazilian Seafood represents a significant step in the internationalization journey of the Brazilian fishing industry. With its comprehensive approach focused on training, commercial promotion, and sustainable development, this project has the potential to transform the landscape of Brazil’s seafood trade. By leveraging the country’s natural resources and promoting the inclusion of all segments of society, Brazilian Seafood will not only boost the economy but also open up new opportunities for producers and strengthen Brazil’s position as a key participant in the global seafood market.
Photomontage: By Jakson Santos
Images taken from Google.com