Genetically-modified fish that have been specially engineered by a Taiwanese company to be tastier and less pungent could soon be bound for Bahrain.

Forever Frozen Seafood is one of a delegation of 16 companies from Taiwan that are showcasing their country's high-tech agricultural and technological products and services in Bahrain from today (May 29) until May 31, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The company has taken advantage of more than 30 years of research and development that has gone into creating a mass-market version of a farmed fish called tilapia.

“About 30 years ago, tilapia was not the same as it is now,” said Taiwan Trade Mission representative Michael Chen, who compared the fish to hamour - but available at a fraction of the price.

“It used to be small, with a lot of bones, not very tasty and very smelly - yet it was very popular because it was cheap.

“Then, a special branch of the Taiwanese government dedicated to only research and development of fish began the process of turning these fish into what they are now.

“The fish now is known as Taiwan's best fish.

“It is very tasty and still just as cheap as it used to be.

“Taiwan saw what people wanted and found a way to manipulate the genetics to make a much better fish.

“The fish can even be bred to have no bones, which is good as people don't like bones in their fish.”

Other products that will be showcased by the trade delegation include the latest medical equipment, software, hardware, industrial equipment, household goods, fitness equipment, kitchenware, tyres and baby products, Chen said.

He added that he was confident of increased trade between Bahrain and Taiwan following a decision taken earlier this year to ease the visa process for Taiwanese citizens visiting the country.

As of April 1, Bahrain began offering multiple entry visas to Taiwanese nationals, which can be applied for online and are issued within 48 hours.

“Last year 1,200 people visited Bahrain but because of this multiple entry visa I expect that number to grow,” said Chen.

“I also think that because it is easier to come here, businesses will be more inclined to visit Bahrain during Middle East trade delegations.

“Before they would visit Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait but now Bahrain has also been added to the route.” - TradeArabia News Service