4. The participants were welcomed by Mr Charles T. Maguswi, Director of Fisheries (Zambia). He informed the participants that efforts to develop commercial aquaculture in Zambia and Malawi are under way, but so far they are very limited in spite of the large potential for its development. The Workshop would, therefore, provide an opportunity to examine issues related to commercial aquaculture, identify the causes of the slow development and propose possible strategies to ensure its successful expansion.
5. Mr Richard W. Fuller, FAO Representative in Zambia, speaking on behalf of Dr Jacques Diouf, the Director-General of FAO, thanked the Government of the Zambia for hosting this Workshop and underscored the importance of commercial aquaculture in food security and poverty alleviation, especially for impoverished communities in rural areas. The text of his inaugural address is reproduced in Appendix D.
6. In his opening address, His Excellency Mr Mundia F. Sikatana (MP), Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives (Zambia), thanked FAO for bringing the two countries together while pointing out the clear indication of the commitment of FAO towards the development of sustainable commercial aquaculture as a tool to achieve food security, reducing poverty, increasing incomes and opening up employment opportunities. He also underlined the need of involving the private sector (which includes the banks and insurance companies) and non-governmental organizations and the vital importance of lending to farmers as well as safeguarding the farmers’ production through insurance if aquaculture development is to occur. The text of the speech is reproduced in Appendix E.
7. The Workshop adopted the Agenda and arrangements for the Workshop as shown in Appendix A.
8. Mr Charles T. Maguswi (Zambia) was elected Chairperson of the Workshop, and Mr Shaibu A. Mapila was elected Vice-Chairperson.
