The aquaculture prospects of the Middle East are being aided by support from China.
Iraq is one of five Asian countries with representatives taking part in a 56-day training program in freshwater aquaculture hosted by the China Academy of Fisheries in Wuxi, eastern China.
At a ceremony marking the commencement of the course at the freshwater research wing of the China Fisheries Academy, Yuan Xinhua, deputy director of freshwater training at the CFA, said the program will emphasize efforts to increase the sustainability of fisheries and fish farms.
China has long offered fisheries and aquaulture training for developing countries, with many programs in Wuxi funded by United Nations’ bodies. Yet in recent years China has been funding the training itself, particularly programs for countries in Africa and southern Asia, where China is keen to expand its fisheries presence and economic ties.
China has been “very generous” in sharing its knowledge and know-how with other developing countries, said Ahmed Hasan Mohaisen al Okbi, the head of the aquaculture section of the Iraqi Agriculture Ministry. Al Okbi and other officials from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are taking part in the training program, which will demonstrate ways of breeding, feeding and vaccinating fish and crustaceans.
