Last year Belize exported 16 million pounds of shrimp which earned $92.7 million, almost four times the previous year's earnings. And not only that, but Belize has the fastest growing aquaculture industry in the Central American region.
And this week all those proud accomplishments will be on display as 25 companies from 17 countries and 125 participants will take part in the International Intensive Shrimp Culture Symposium in Belize. Organizer from Panama Manuel Alzamora explains that Belize is the right place at the right time for this event.
Manuel Alzamora, Symposium Organizer
“Its important because the industry is changing a lot and I think for Belize it’s a great opportunity because Belize is one of the principal producers in Central America.”
“We’re going to discuss about the shrimp farming new technologies to produce more and more safe.”
Osmond Martinez, Shrimp Farmer
“It’s a important industry. It has created fountain of jobs for many Belizeans. It has created income for the government and it has also created incomes to the owners of the companies.”
“We need to really start to prepare our self for the future because the industry is growing and we need more professional Belizeans and that way we will appreciate it more. We need more Belizeans to be expert on this.”
The event opens tonight with an address from the Minister of Fisheries Mike Espat.