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Fish Farmers
flocked to the debut of this major new event on the international
aquaculture calendar. Over 4000 visitors were registered during the 4
days of the show which took place at the Club de Deportes Náuticos
Reloncaví from the 20 – 23 March in Puerto Montt.
The exhibition, organised by Technopress S.A. of Chile and the UK´s
Heighway Events, was opened by the Under-Secretary of Fisheries, Felipe
Sandoval, representing Trade Minister, Jorge Rodríguez. Among others
also present were; the Governor of the 10th region, Patricio Vallespín,
Norwegian Fisheries Minister, Svein Ludvigsen, and the Mayor of Puerto
Montt, Rabindranath Quinteros. Numerous Chilean and international
dignitaries linked to the aquaculture industry also attended.
Over 150 exhibitors from 22 countries took part in Aqua Sur 2002. Among
them Norway, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Republic of China, Spain, USA,
Peru, UK, Italy and France.
Jubilant exhibitors reported a substantial volume of business transacted
during the show. The trade stands, which were packed with visitors
throughout, spread over a total of 4.200sq.m of which 2.500sqm were
indoors with a further 1.000sqm outside. Full use was made of the
waterfront location with a wide range of equipment being displayed in
floating exhibits ranging from feed barges to cages and specialist
workboats.
Some exhibitor reactions to their participation at Aqua Sur 2002;
“We have had some excellent leads from the show. It’s not an easy time
in the industry, but equipment that can reduce costs is of great
interest. We are extending our stay to do demonstrations to major
operators such as Marine Harvest and Stolt Sea Farms”
Brian Rogers,
Guigne Technologies (Canada)
“We’re very happy with the first Aqua Sur. It’s been a good way to enter
the market for us. Good people, a high quality event with lots for
visitors to see. We would certainly want the same stand next time.”
Arie de Bondt
HESY (Netherlands)
“We have seen most of the top people in the industry here – so Aqua Sur
has delivered the goods.”
Jorge Cassigoli
Vaki (Chile)
“Lots of good people, well organised – far and away the best aquaculture
show seen in this region.”
SM Group, (Norway)
“Surprisingly good, considering the current state of the industry – and
very well run.”
Bjorn Karlsen
Haug Aqua (Norway)
“We have made very good contacts, and Aqua Sur provided a forum to meet
people we have not seen for a while. We will be closing some excellent
business in the coming weeks.”
Roberto Abarca
Wavemaster (Chile)
“ Excellent. At times I thought that I was in Aqua Nor, then remembered
that I was in Chile!”
Arnt Stormyhr
Nortec (Chile)
Two important bilateral agreements were signed during Aqua Sur 2002. The
University of Bergen, Norway and the University of Austral, Chile agreed
to establish a student exchange programme covering undergraduates,
postgraduates and researchers in aquaculture and fisheries.
Norwegian and Chilean ministers and officials also agreed an information
exchange programme which will be operational in the second half of the
year. Amongst the VIPs involved were Sernapesca´s, Sergio Mujica; the
Director of IFOP, Juanita Gana; the Norwegian Ambassador, Mona Elisabeth
Brother; Chile´s Ambassador in Norway, José Luis Balmaceda; the
President of the Chile Salmon and Trout Association, Víctor Hugo Puchi;
and the Head of the Department of Aquaculture in the Fisheries
Department, Ricardo Norambuena.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The show was preceded by a 2-day international conference held at the
Punto de Quiebre centre, which attracted over 250 delegates. The
conference programme, organised by Fundacion Chile, comprised 40 papers
given by distinguished Chilean and International experts. The first day
focused on market trends affecting fish feed, value added and processing
technology. On the second day the presentations looked at new options in
aquaculture, production technologies, health and safety in salmon
farming, mollusc farming technology and marketing and adminstration. On
both days top professionals attended from Norway, USA, Canada, China,
Spain, Japan and Chile.
Courtesy of Martha Lucía Lozano R., Editora, TechnoPress S.A. mlozano@aqua.cl
Contact – Sue Hill, Heighway Events, sue.hill@informa.com
Telephone House, 69-77 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4LQ, UK |
