by
Keith Meecham
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is at expert working parties and consultations like these - “Think Tanks” that a meeting of minds can tune exclusively to their subject and generate mutual thought. Such combined thoughts often lead to a step forward in the understanding of the subject.
Although I am no expert in this field, I have heard from several of my friends here who are, that such a step - or several steps have been taken or can be taken when you all return to your usual activities. It is a pleasure to me therefore on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, to mention our part in their valuable coming together and to express the hope that this Working Group, applied as it is to the very relevant need of small-scale fishfarmers, of supplying the seed for their crop, will directly and quickly lead to increased production of food which is, after all, a primary aim of all of us as well as FAO.
Very clearly, it is an aim of the government of the Republic of Indonesia, to whom we are indebted as their guests, who have shown you an important part of their activities in this field. If you flew here from Jakarta, you will have seen the immensity and importance of fish and shellfish culture as you flew over huge areas of coastal ponds, all of small-scale fishfarmers.
The potential for improvement, the need for improvement and the ability to improve are demonstrated. The government here and in some of the countries we come from are in a position to show what can be done to increase food and income production.
Our thanks are extended to our hosts, the government of Indonesia, and in particular to the Directorate General of Fisheries, who have made this meeting possible, and given it such support.
As we close this group meeting we all look forward to a real advance in the production by the many, small-scale fishfarmers in this region, of the World's most widespread article of food trade - Shrimps and Prawns.
