Brasília, 4/1/2004 (Agência Brasil) - The minister of Fishing (ministro da Secretaria de Aqüicultura e Pesca), José Fritsch, says that the country's exports of fish should rise to US$1 billion within three years. Last year fish exports were worth US$300 million, up from US$129 million in 2002. "This is a growth sector of the economy," declared the minister.

In order to promote sales of Brazilian fish in Europe, Fritsch and sector representatives are visiting supermarkets, restaurants and hotels in Gemany, England and Holland this week.

Fritsch says Brazilian fish have become attractive because of reduced fishing in the northern hemisphere and drops in consumption of other types of meat due to mad cow disease and bird flu.

"Our fish industry is attractive to Europeans because we raise them without antibiotics," explains the minister, adding that he expects them to begin importing this year.

As for Brazilian shrimp, it is hoped that Europe will begin importing soon. At the moment, the United States is the biggest importer, but the US shrimp industry has moved an anti-dumping suit against Brazil. (Translator: Allen Bennett)