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Trepang industry booms in Dalian

By Zhang Xiaomin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-04 17:59

For more than ten years, Yan Junhua, 44, always buys some trepang products for his family and friends every year in the autumn. On Wednesday, he bought 12,000 yuan of trepang for his friends in Shanghai.

"One of my friends' parent just underwent surgery. I believe the precious sea cucumber can give the patient more pep," Yan told China Daily at a seafood shop in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province.

Related readings:  Dalian will boost trepang industry

"Chinese people stress to take tonics in winter. Trepang, which is high in protein and low in fat and cholesterol, is a best choice," he added.

Having much nutrition and function about medical care, trepang became more and more popular among rich Chinese in recent years.

They are delicacies in good restaurants, gifts for important persons, tonics for family members, and materials for nutriments.

In 2009, the total output of China's trepang industry reached 102,000 tons and the output value exceeded 20 billion yuan ($299.6 million).

"Dalian is a major production area of trepang. Its annual output in 2009 accounted for 40 percent of China's total output," Zhang Fengyan, deputy director of Dalian Oceanic and Fishery Administration, addressed a forum about the development of China's sea cucumber industry, which was held on November 3 in Dalian.

Zhang introduced that Dalian has nurtured some leading companies of the industry, such as Dalian Zhangzidao Fishery Group, Dalian Bangchuidao Marine Product Enterprise Group, and Dalian Yiqiao Marine Seeds Co Ltd.

This year, Dalian Zhangzidao Fishery Group, a leader in Chinese fishery, expects an 80 percent rise of trepang sales value over last year's 200 million yuan ($30 million), according to Sun Haiping, director of Zhangzidao's market and brand center.

"By 2015, our annual sales income of trepang will reach 1 billion yuan ($149.8 million), increasing 35 percent annually," said Sun.

As the business flourished, dozens of trepang shops have mushroomed in Dalian. Three years ago, only several brands opened shops on an avenue near a high-grade community in the downtown. At present, there are nearly 30 shops selling trepang. Dealers and customers from all parts of the country come in flocks.

According to Wu Hougang, president of Zhangzidao and chairman of Dalian Trepang Chamber of Commerce, trepang industry has become one of the most profitable sectors of fishery and agriculture in China.

Wu said there are problems behind the prosperity, such as the mix of good and bad products, the lack of industrial standards and regulations, and disordered competition.

"Market integration and technical innovation are essential for the industry to become more competitive and realize sustainable development," said Wu.