Minister of Agriculture and Forestry promotes Turkish fish at Baku event

Seafood samples draw an enthusiastic response

Seabream, seabass and salmon produced in Turkey were served to attendees at the 15th International Agriculture Fair in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Vahit Kiri çi, the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry was in Baku, Azerbaijan for the International Agriculture Fair where he celebrated the success of Turkish seafood exports.

At the International Agriculture Fair in Baku, Vahit Kirişçi the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, held a speech emphasising that the threshold for wild caught fish had been reached and that now the industry should focus on ensuring sustainability through new methods of production rather than by increasing fishing. He stated that aquaculture could reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks while helping to meet the need for protein from aquatic animals. The minister stated that aquaculture was one of the fastest growing food production sectors in the world, and policies were being developed and implemented to increase aquaculture production in line with the targets of the Turkish ministry. Aquaculture production in the country which totalled 61 thousand tonnes in 2002, increased by 670 to reach 471 thousand tonnes in 2021, while the share of aquaculture in total seafood production increased from 9 to over 50. He stated that Turkey is ranked first in Europe in seabass, seabream and trout production, and it continues to maintain its position as the leading country in the region.

Turkish exports seafood around the world

Seafood products from Turkey can be found in international markets due to their high quality and standards. They are exported to more than 100 countries, including EU countries, Japan, USA, Russia, China, South Korea and countries in the Middle East. Turkey is interested in increasing its fish trade with Azerbaijan in particular by exporting more fish and fish feed. He said that consumption in both countries is currently around 6-7 kg per capita, about a third of the global average, and it is the responsibility of both countries to increase this amount. The minister thanked the President and ministers of Azerbaijan for their unwavering support for the event, the people of Azerbaijan who participated, and the Turkish producers and exporters who also supported the show.