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  Straits Times 25 May 07
Ornamental fish exports hit $98m
S'pore still world's top exporter; growth up 9%
By Liaw Wy-Cin

SINGAPORE cemented its position as the ornamental fish capital of the world last year with exports hitting a record high of US$64 million ($98 million). That is a 9 per cent rise from 2005, Minister of State (National Development) Grace Fu said yesterday.

She was speaking at the opening ceremony of Aquarama, a biennial international aquarium fish exhibition and conference, at Suntec Singapore. The 200 companies from 27 countries showing off their wares at the exhibition are expected to draw 25,000 members of the public and 6,000 trade visitors.

That the exhibition - of fish bred to be kept as pets or for decorative purposes - is being held here is fitting as Singapore is the world's leading exporter of ornamental fish, reaching 82 countries.

The four-day exhibition, which ends on Sunday, will showcase different types of fish - including the winners of a competition organised earlier this week.

Asia is the main supplier of ornamental fish, making up more than 60 per cent of global exports, said Ms Fu. The global industry - including fish, accessories and fish feed - is estimated to be worth more than US$14 billion.

Also, the industry has seen its international trade growing at an average rate of 14 per cent a year since 1985.

The impressive numbers led Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority to set up a grouping of several public and private agencies in 2003 to help the industry grow.

The Ornamental Fish Business Cluster is chaired by Mr Kenny Yap, owner of Qian Hu Corporation, the biggest name in the ornamental fish industry here.

Qian Hu entered three new varieties of fish in the 'new species and varieties of fish' competition, winning second and third place. The 17-year-old company's general manager of the ornamental fish division, Mr Teo Boon Hock, is delighted that the new fish brought in from suppliers in India and Myanmar have caught the judges' eyes.

'It's great that we're helping people to enjoy more types of fish. It helps people appreciate nature more and may even play a role in conservation,' said the 47-year-old.

The exhibition is open to the public from 1pm to 8pm tomorrow, and from 10am to 7pm on Sunday. Admission charges are $8, but those under 12 get in free. wycin@sph.com.sg
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