Brasília - Today minister José Fritsch, who heads the Special Secretariat for Aquaculture and Fishing, will meet with the United States ambassador in Brazil, Donna Hrinak, for talks on demands by American shrimp producers who want anti-dumping measures slapped on Brazilian exports of shrimp.

Fritsch has stated that the Brazilian government intends to give its shrimp producers total support because they do not receive subsidies or incentives. The minister explains that Brazil has high levels of shrimp production due to investments in research and technology, along with a climate that permits year-round production.

US producers, where 45% of Brazilian shrimp produce goes, claim that they are victims of disloyal competition.

Brazil produces 90,000 tons of shrimp annually, with 65,000 tons being exported. Brazil has the world's highest levels of shrimp productivity - almost 6 tons per hectare/year. (AB)