An opportunity to introduce new ornamental fish breeds to the globe

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) proposes to organize the participation of a group of companies at the international fish competition at Aquarama 2011, Ornamental Fish and Accessories Exhibition scheduled to be held in Singapore from May 26 to 29.

EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Janaka Ratnayake highlighting the importance of attending this event said that Sri Lanka has recorded a tremendous success by winning 19 awards for various fish categories at Aquarama 2009. He said that these achievements are very important to show the personalized breeding ability of Sri Lankan ornamental fish breeders to the international community. The recently launched EDB's strategic plan for year 2011-2015 has identified the ornamental fish sector as an important product sector for export promotion. EDB is planning to expand Sri Lanka's market share for ornamental fish and aquatic plants through introduction of high demanded new varieties to the International market.

Aquarama is known to be the largest product specific trade fair held biannually in Singapore for ornamental fish, Fish products and accessory supplies. Industry leaders from all over the world are participating in this event to make new business contacts, renew existing contacts with their customers, source information on new products and study latest technology developments. The international fish competition is one of the most attractive events at the exhibition. The EDB has been organizing the participation of a group of professional fish breeders and exporters at this prestigious international fish competition.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board with the assistance of the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore organized the participation of ten companies of ornamental fish exporters and breeders at Aquarama Exhibition and the International Fish Competition held in Singapore in 2009. These ten companies have submitted 107 entries of various fish species and categories at the international fish competition. Such species are guppies, swordtails, mollies and platys including the new varieties. Among the 19 awards won by Sri Lanka, 13 awards were received for different types of guppies placing in record the ability of Sri Lankan breeders to produce high quality guppies for the world. Other awards were received for platy category (three awards) the swordtail category (two awards) and the new varieties category (one award). Three hundred competitors from 10 countries participated at the international fish competition submitting 1500 entries. Sri Lankan contestants were able to won all three awards offered for the platy category which was a significant achievement to Sri Lanka.