Seaweed has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors within the global blue economy. With expanding applications in food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, biofuels, and climate-related solutions, global demand for seaweed and seaweed-derived products continues to rise. Between 2002 and 2022, global seaweed production tripled, while international trade nearly quadrupled, highlighting the sector's growing economic significance.

Despite this growth, substantial opportunities remain untapped, particularly in developing countries where investment, value addition, innovation, and market diversification can further strengthen the seaweed industry. As governments, businesses, researchers, and development partners seek sustainable and inclusive pathways for growth, seaweed is increasingly recognised as a strategic resource for supporting livelihoods, food security, environmental sustainability, and blue economy development.

The INFOFISH Technical Webinar on “Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Seaweed Trade, Investment and Development” will bring together international experts and industry leaders to explore the latest developments shaping the global seaweed sector and discuss strategies for unlocking its full potential.

Registration of the webinar is now open, and participants are encouraged to complete their registration at their earliest convenience.

This webinar will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the global seaweed industry, covering current production trends, international trade developments, market opportunities, and emerging applications of seaweed products.

 

Participants will gain insights into key trade barriers and regulatory challenges affecting sector growth, particularly in developing economies, while exploring opportunities for investment, value addition, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Expert speakers from international organisations and the private sector will share perspectives on market dynamics, sustainable development pathways, and collaborative approaches to building resilient and inclusive seaweed industries.

 

The webinar is designed for policymakers, researchers, investors, development agencies, industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and professionals interested in advancing sustainable seaweed trade and development.

The webinar aims to:

This virtual webinar will be convened in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy; UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva, Switzerland; United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Vienna, Austria; Global Seaweed Coalition (GSC), Roscoff, France; and INFOFISH, Malaysia.

 

The technical webinar disseminates updated seaweed information among INFOFISH Member States (IMS), industry, development agencies, academia and investors aligning with the United Nations Global Seaweed Initiative's (UNGSI) objectives for achieving a shared vision of the collaborating partners that might transform the seaweed industries among the countries from Asia and the Pacific.