It is an honour for me to witness the successful launching of the Malaysia Fisheries Directory   2007-2008.  I have no doubt that this highly informative and useful publication will help promote the fisheries industry of Malaysia. 

While the fisheries industry has become an important part of the economy of our country, it has great potential for further expansion.  With the government placing importance on biotechnology, the fisheries sector is set to benefit from the government's policy. 

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the government plans to raise fish production to a value of      RM11 billion by 2010 from its current value of RM6.7 billion. Emphasis will be given to enhance production from aquaculture from aquaculture and deep-sea fishing while vigorous efforts will be made to achieve sustainable development. Investment will also be made in research and development not only to reduce costs but to come out with value-added products.  Only by being competitive, we can go beyond the Malaysian shore to venture into world markets. 

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Dato' JUNAIDI B. CHE AYUB
(Director-General of Fisheries Malaysia)