The chef cuts a 300-kilogram Atlantic bluefin tuna on site. [Photo/FZ News]

The three-day 2024 Cross-Strait (Fuzhou) Fisheries Week and China (Fuzhou) International Seafood & Fisheries Expo concluded on June 2 in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province. This three-day extravaganza showcased the latest advancements and opportunities in the marine fishery and seafood industry.

The event highlighted 15 key marine fishery projects with a total contracted amount of 22.09 billion yuan ($3.05 billion), receiving 165,000 visits over three days. Additionally, 19 scientific and technological projects were announced and 12 were signed into effect on-site, with a total investment of 19.5 million yuan. On-site retail sales reached 260 million yuan, while economic and trade matching amounted to 1.19 billion yuan in value. An impressive 25,126 professional buyers were present, a testament to the expo's popularity.

Featuring eight major exhibition areas, including an international pavilion and a regional special fishery brand zone, the expo drew participants from 30 countries and regions worldwide such as the United States, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Nearly 500 companies from various industrial belts across China showcased their products, with international and non-local exhibitors accounting for 48 percent of the total participants.

There was a particular focus on innovative trade matchmaking strategies, exemplified by a new retail channel procurement matchmaking conference. This initiative facilitated partnerships between top new retail channel operators and seafood companies, resulting in 121 cooperation agreements that paved the way for enhanced product listings and sales.

Furthermore, the event addressed the importance of new quality productive forces in the seafood industry. The ocean economy and fisheries development forum was held concurrently with Fishery Week, injecting new vitality into the integration of Fujian and Taiwan fisheries. There were also discussions centered on how new quality productive forces drive high-quality development in the marine economy.

In response to the growing interest in the pre-made seafood industry in recent years, the expo hosted forums to discuss the current state and future of the industry.

Collaborations with Douyin e-commerce help exhibitors find development opportunities in Douyin e-commerce channels, while a milestone was achieved with the first-ever collaboration with top-tier internet celebrities, leading to millions in sales and providing support to Fujian's seafood industry.