Fish trading opportunities in the arab region

Research PaperAll the Arab countries are producers of fish from marine, inland and aquaculture sources. Total fish production in 1994, as reported by FAO, reached 1.67 million tons. The estimated resource potential is in the range of 3-4 million tons. Trade in fish and fishery products in most countries is considerable but its volume varies substantially in the different countries. Aside from international trade, there is limited trade between countries in the region otherwise described as inter-regional trade. The exported quantities in 1993 reached 336,300 tons valued at US$ 881.3 million, while imports reached 213,900 tons valued at US$ 238.7 million. Most of the exports, however, are those of canned fish products from Morocco. Otherwise, most Arab countries are net importers of fish and fishery products. Generally, fish plays a minor role in the national diet of most of the countries of the region However, per capita consumption has slightly risen in recent years reaching about 64 kg/y in 1993 from about 5 kg/y per capita a decade ago. Governments in the region are encouraging the promotion of greater fish consumption as a protein food source from own resources mainly to reduce red meat imports and to meet the increasing demand of an increasing population. While increased fish consumption is encouraged and traditional barriers as well as trade barriers are favourably changing, opportunities for increased fish trade in the Arab region are opening