The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) has strengthened its presence in China through a cooperative agreement with the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA) to open an office in the Jing’an District of Shanghai. The partnership represents the next step in GAA’s efforts to advance responsible aquaculture in the PRC through the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) third-party certification program, including better serving those already committed to BAP and responsible aquaculture.
“We are excited about this opportunity in China to continue to advance GAA’s commitment to responsible aquaculture production. As the leading aquaculture marketing association in China, CAPPMA is a great partner to work with. China is the largest consumer of seafood in the world, so if we’re really going to move the needle in regard to aquaculture improvements, we have to look to China for solutions,” said GAA Vice President Steve Hart.
GAA Executive Director Wally Stevens (left) and Dr. Cui he, executive vice chairman of CAPPMA, are all smiles after signing the cooperative agreement.In the past year, GAA has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) both with government offices – including the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA) and China Entry Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA) – and with industry players – including Gfresh and Ocean Gala Marine Resources.
Jane Bi, GAA’s Asia business development director, is relocating to China to run the office and establish the Alliance’s presence in China. GAA is partnering with the CAPPMA to staff the new office.
“As an aquaculture standard-setting organization and international third-party certification program, GAA and BAP are looking to provide Chinese consumers access to sustainably and responsibly produced seafood with food-safety assurances. My job is to assist both the marketplace and industry with the resources and information that they require to advance that mission. Being from China, I cannot feel more excited and honored to be leading our efforts there,” said Bi.
