Bangkok, 23 May 2023 – Rising food prices and environmental challenges are causing stress to the food systems across the globe. The seafood industry, as a provider of sustainable alternative supply of high-quality protein, plays an important role, with Norway, being the world’s second largest seafood exporter, helping to address and improve food security issues in Thailand, Asia, and beyond.
This year, at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) welcomed more than 20 Norwegian exporters at the Seafood from Norway Pavilion to showcase a wide range of premium seafood and the latest aquaculture innovation and technology presenting huge trade growth and opportunities for small-scale through large-scall businesses across Southeast Asia. The event was honored by H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, Ambassador of Norway to Thailand, Norwegian Seafood Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Christian Chramer, with on-ground activities including seafood seminar and a cooking demonstration by Chef Jimmy Chok, a Seafood from Norway ambassador chef, best known for his creation of innovative recipes that blend Asian ingredients with western-style cooking.
Asbjørn Warvik Rørtveit, Southeast Asia Regional Director, Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), said, “Norwegian seafood such as Salmon, Fjord Trout and Norwegian Saba are products of sustainable farming and fisheries that have been enjoyed by most Thais for the past 10 years. The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) has promoted knowledge on innovation in aquaculture and sustainability in Thailand. The Seafood from Norway trademark, a symbol of origin for Norwegian seafood caught or raised in the cold clear waters of Norway, has been beneficial to the aquaculture industry, as well as Thai consumers and local businesses in identifying the source of sustainable alternative supply of high-quality protein. In 2022, Norway exported a total of 42,636 tons in volume and THB 9.37 billion in value to Thailand. Thai consumers value quality products that have a food safety standard from a trusted country of origin. This makes Norwegian seafood a bridge that connects Norway to Thailand.”
The Norwegian Seafood industry provides 40 million daily meals of seafood, totaling 2.9 million tons, worth THB 510 billion to 150 countries across the globe every year. Responsible management of marine resources is at the very core of the Norwegian seafood industry and has been for more than a century. Norway has gone from free fishing to strict regulations by learning from the past and setting the standard on sustainable ocean management for others to follow.
Erling Rimestad, The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway, recently paid a visit to Thailand to discuss trade and cooperation. The Deputy Minister stated that, “The goal for Norwegian aquaculture is to make healthy food more affordable for all, while reducing the impact of food production on the environment. Norway has been a flag bearer on sustainability for decades, working with partners to put laws in place to protect fish stocks by exporting our fisheries management expertise to other fishing nations who are looking to build and maintain sustainable stocks. Thanks to our ecosystem-based approach, we can provide access to quality seafood around the world, and the seas are healthier as a result. Together with other food producers, we believe that Norwegian seafood can contribute to food security through providing a high-quality and sustainable source of protein and that we will leave no one behind.”
A recent report by United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization revealed that in 2021, 2.3 billion people, nearly 30 percent of the global population, experienced food insecurity and between 702 and 828 million people were affected by hunger. It is estimated that nearly 670 million people will still be undernourished by 2030. The impacts of the pandemic have caused stress on food production and trade channels. This has resulted in soaring food prices and growing inequalities in access to food. The APEC Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030 ensures that people have access to sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious food to meet their needs.
About The Norwegian Seafood Council
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) is a public company owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. NSC works together with the Norwegian fisheries and aquaculture industry to develop markets for Norwegian seafood, representing the country’s seafood exporters and the seafood industry. The trademark “Seafood from Norway” is a symbol of origin for Norwegian seafood caught or raised in the cold clear waters of Norway.
