KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry aims to increase the number of seafood production based on aquaculture to 50% in three years.

According to its deputy minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, only 20% of the nation’s current annual seafood production of 1.7 million metric tonnes is based on aquaculture, and the government wants to increase that number in the next two to three years.

“Currently, we are seeing some 20% of the 1.7 million metric tonnes from aquaculture activities, with 80% of the country’s seafood production coming from the sea.

“We can’t be dependent on marine products forever, so we aim to change that figure,” he said after the soft launch of the 16th Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2015 at Seri Pacific Hotel today.

Tajuddin said his ministry is making multiple efforts to ensure the target is achieved, among others, encouraging more farmers to dive into the aquaculture business.

“We are encouraging farmers to try out aquaculture, and are helping them a lot, including giving them incentives and subsidies.

“We are also encouraging big companies and business groups to invest in this aquaculture industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, MIFB 2015's organising director Lim Cha Cheng said the three-day event will provide multiple platforms to experience, taste and learn the future of the F&B industry, and also connecting experts with trade show visitors to jointly discover new opportunities in the industry.

“This year’s MIFB will also include special features such as the International Buyers Programme, Local Buyers Invitation Programme and Business Matching Sessions,” he said.

MIFB 2015 will take place from June 11-13, 2015 at the KLCC, with an expected turn out of 20,000 visitors for the annual event.

This year’s edition, which will also be in conjunction with the 1st Seafood Safety and Trade Conference, will bring together some 300 exhibitors from 45 countries and 12 international pavilions.