Press Release

Industry Players Meet For A Common Goal

The biggest global event in the tuna calendar, to be held from 23-25 May, TUNA 2012 will bring in active participation of industry leaders, policy makers and planners, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) as well as NGOs.  Themed “Sharing the Challenges and Bridging the Gaps for the Common Goal”, the upcoming TUNA 2012 World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition will confer challenges faced by the industry amidst the global financial crisis in major markets, poor tuna landings, growing need to ensure sustainability of resources and eco-labelling for tuna products, controversy over pole & line and non-FAD sourcing policy, escalating tuna prices and market access, etc.

Mindful of the growing concern over the declining tuna stocks, sustainability would undoubtedly be a main focus of the conference programme. This would involve discussions on practical applications, cutting across all aspects along the supply and distribution chain up to the point a product reaches the consumer. Among the highlights of the conference will be the MSC certification of free school skipjack from PNA waters.

Markets and marketing of tuna products in North and Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Oceania will be examined by industry representatives updating trends in trade, issues affecting trade, strategies for survival and growth, consumer /markets acceptance of products, including status of eco-labeled products etc. Following each session, there will be a critical review of the papers by a broad panel of experts, including key figures from the industry. Major certification bodies will participate in the event providing a forum to discuss and update the status of the schemes and their contribution to the sustainability of resources.

This year’s event will see several new initiatives towards creating an ambience more conducive for networking and business meetings. An exhibition, directly organized by INFOFISH, will also feature latest tuna products, services and technology development to be held at the conference venue.

Response from the industry for the event has been overwhelming.  More than 700 delegates from nearly 70 countries all over the world are expected to attend the three-day event which is undoubtedly the largest global tuna industry event to be held at the prestigious Shangri-La Bangkok.