In the bustling coastal city of Fuzhou in China’s Fujian Province, key stakeholders from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), as well as international representatives, kicked off a multi-day event on Friday. The aim is to cultivate relationships and advance seaweed industry cooperation among these countries, particularly those part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) alongside China, Japan, and the ROK.
Recognized as some of the top seaweed producers and merchants globally, these nations have engaged in fruitful cooperation in technological, industrial, and educational spheres for several years. The summit, which runs through June 2, is designated as a platform for initiating dialogue and fostering cooperative efforts in seaweed industry research and development.
The discussions and collaborations are expected to be beneficial to all attending countries, reflecting a shared vision for a more prosperous seaweed industry. Muhammad Safari Azis, who heads the Indonesian Seaweed Association, voiced the anticipation of Indonesian seaweed cultivators to absorb new technological insights and industry knowledge. Highlighting China’s advances in seaweed sector technology and its vast market, he emphasized a desire for increased collaboration with China.
By drawing on their collective strengths, the six nations hope to unlock a wealth of potential in the seaweed sector, which is becoming increasingly important due to its versatile uses in food, cosmetics, and even biofuel production. The convention stands as a testament to the shared commitment to tapping into seaweed’s potential, thereby fostering regional growth and sustainability.
