50 Countries To Participate In Bali Int'l Seaweed Symposium

Jakarta, April 15 (Antara) - At least 50 countries will participate in the International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) in Bali from April 21-26, 2013, according to Indonesian Seaweed Association (ARLI) Chairman Safari Azis. "Representatives from at least 50 country will attend the 21st symposium, but unfortunately the papers from Indonesian side to be presented are still less than those from other countries such as Malaysia," Safari said during a press conference at Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) building here on Monday. According to him, the International Seaweed Symposium is held once in three years by International Seaweed Association (ISA) since its first in Edinburgh in July 1952. During the 20th International Seaweed Symposium in Ensenada, Mexico, in February 2010, ISA selected Indonesia to host the 21st symposium in its island resort of Bali in 2013. "For Indonesia to host the event, it will be a good opportunity for the country to show various achievements it has made in developing seaweed and seaweed industries," he noted. Safari said that themed "Seaweed Science for Sustainable Prosperity", the 21st ISS in Bali will provide a forum for scientists, technologists, business people and resource managers to present their latest research results, exchange ideas and develop new synergies. He said during the symposium, the results of various researches, trade exhibitions and business meetings on seaweed would be discussed in an effort to strengthen the nation`s seaweed industry. Meanwhile, Kadin deputy chairman for marine and fisheries affairs Yugi Prayanto said his party continued to facilitate and support the International Seaweed Association (ISA) to hold the 21st ISS in Bali. "The seaweed commodities and their derivatives have a lot of added value and therefore more entrepreneurs are expected to develop it," Yugi said, adding that seaweed commodity in Indonesia has a very prospective future.