INTRODUCTION

Catfishes, especially species of the families Pangasidae (i.e. Pangasius bocourti and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and Clariidae (Clarias macrocephalus and its hybrid (Clarias macrocephalus x C. gariepinus) amongst others have been commercially farmed in Asian countries for decades.

In Viet Nam, P. bocourti (Basa) and P. hypophthalmus (Tra) have been farmed for 50 years, and their production reached 1.2 millions mt in 2007, making these farming practices one of the fastest growing and most important globally. Similarly, catfish farming is becoming increasingly popular in many other Asian countries.

Aquaculture continues to contribute increasingly to the global food fish supplies in the global market place. Processed products of Basa and Tra are currently marketed in more than 100 countries. Recognizing the current importance of catfish aquaculture,, Can Tho University (CTU) in conjunction with the Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific and the ASEM Aquaculture Platform announce the holding of this international symposium Catfish Aquaculture in Asia: Present Status and Challenges for Sustainable Development.

On behalf of the organizers, we cordially invite you to participate in this important symposium to be held in Can Tho, Viet Nam, December 5-7th, 2008.

This two day symposium and the follow-up field trip will provide an excellent opportunity for international and local scientists, practitioners and marketing groups (i) to exchange information on the management of catfish culture (ii) to share the latest research findings and achievements in catfish culture; (iii) to exchange trading information on catfish; and (iv) to identify future demands and enhance research collaborations for sustainable development on catfish aquaculture.