Risk analysis is an essential component of a national aquatic organism health strategy. Now widely applied in many fields, risk analysis provides a science-based framework for evaluating hazards, determining the likelihood and extent of potential harms, mitigating risks and guiding policy decisions. Combining risk and value chain analysis provides a risk-based and people-centred approach to managing disease risks and planning control measures for aquaculture systems. FAO organised a training course on Risk Analysis in the Value Chain from 3-5 September in Bangkok, Thailand, in partnership with NACA, INFOFISH, Thailand Department of Fisheries and the ASEAN Network of Aquatic Animal Health Centres. Financial support was provided by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and Thailand Department of Fisheries.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: The 32nd Governing Council today unanimously approved the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s membership of NACA, bringing the total number of member countries to 20. Mr. Tanes Poomtong, Chair of the NACA Governing Council said, “I am delighted to welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the NACA family. Our members believe that Saudi Arabia’s membership will bring substantial benefits to NACA, opening new opportunities for technical exchange and sharing of experience for the mutual benefit of all.”
 
Dr. Huang Jie, Director General of NACA said “Saudi Arabian membership will bring diversity, new ideas and thinking about how aquaculture can develop under different conditions. The innovative approaches to development in the Kingdom provide are instructive for the transformation of Asian aquaculture and provide a showcase of what should be possible in the region.”