The 2026 Guangzhou International Ornamental Fish Conference and Nansha Ornamental Fish Industry Investment Promotion Event was held in Nansha, Guangzhou, on November 9 and 10, under the theme "New Global Aquatics Vision, International Industry Hub".
The event brought together more than 300 industry representatives from over 20 countries and regions to explore opportunities in seed innovation, international trade, industrial finance, customs supervision, youth creativity and aquatic culture.
The programme included an opening ceremony, keynote speeches, the annual meeting of the Aquatic Branch of the China Fisheries Association and the release and signing of key projects. The main forum, centred on "New Seed Industry, New Intelligence" and "New Sales Channels, New Markets", drew officials from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, academicians, experts and representatives of domestic and overseas research institutes and leading enterprises. Discussions covered trends in the global ornamental fish industry, seed breeding technology, industrial finance and insurance, import and export regulations and international trade.
The investment matchmaking session for the Nansha International Ornamental Fish Eco-Valley ran alongside the main conference, opening up cooperation across the entire industrial chain, from fry breeding and fish farming to trade, distribution and cultural tourism.
Supporting events included an ornamental fish import and export trade exchange, youth maker camp roadshows, a koi appraisal, goldfish strain cultivation workshops, seminars on commercial aquascaping and a goldfish culture exhibition. The aim was to help a number of joint projects between industry, universities and research institutes get off the ground and reach the market.
The two-day conference combined policy briefings, seed science research, international dialogue, investment matchmaking and cultural showcases. Participants said the conference had brought global ornamental fish industry resources together in Nansha and would help Guangzhou build a full-chain ornamental fish industry worth 50 billion yuan, take "Guangdong aquatic treasures" to global markets and open China's recreational fisheries further to the world.
Reporter | Yu Yanling
Photos | Nansha District Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau
