A Bahraini pisciculture company is expected to start production next year, announced Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

He was speaking as he received Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry's representatives Sager Shaheen, Jawad Al Hawaj, Ibrahim Al Daissi and Nabeel Kanoo. They gave an update on their visits to Thailand and Philippines to study home-grown aquaculture projects.

The planned company will provide local markets with sufficient fish supplies. According to update figures demand for fish tops 150,000 tonnes a year at present.

However, domestic markets are supplied with 120,000 tonnes annually, with a deficit of 30,000 tonnes.

Dr Fakhro described the project as crucial to boost Bahrain's food security and provide work opportunities. Under-secretary Dr Abdulla Mansoor and assistant undersecretary for external trade Ahmed Bubsheet also attended.-TradeArabia News Service