WB funds fifth fishery project [Archives:2005/861/Business & Economy]
During his meeting with the WB delegation, Dr. Ali Mohammad Mujawwar Minister of Fisheries discussed the aspects of bilateral cooperation between his Ministry and the WB in the fisheries sector and the means of enhancing it, particularly what is related to funding of the fifth fishery project the Ministry of Fisheries is preparing to implement in collaboration with the European Union.
The project aims to develop the infrastructure of fisheries and improve the fishery exports according to specifications of the international markets, as well as paying more attention to the current fishery research centers and the establishment of new ones.
The government works hard to raise to 4 percent the contribution of the fishery sector to the gross domestic production. This will be done by achieving a 10% annual increase in fishery production to reach to 564 thousand tons by the advent of 2010.
Official reports indicate that the ideal exploitation of fishery wealth will help raise production without affecting the reserve and assert a better management of quality to score a 6% annual increase in the price of fisheries.
The government intends to increase the individual share of fish to 51kg and raise fishery exports to 31 percent per year, that is 150 thousand tons, of$500 million worth, by the end of 2010.
The government policies concentrate on setting a scientific and economic system for managing and monitoring the fishery resources through assessing and surveying the fishery reserve, particularly the precious species.
Covered by the government policies is the establishment of thorough database and installing modern systems for collecting and analyzing data, saving them and linking them with relevant activities. Additionally the government policies aim to enhance and develop the system of monitoring and marine inspection, reshuffle the Ministry of Fisheries and its annexes, update legislations, laws and by-laws controlling the fishing activities and train workers in the sector.
The government has the intention to activate the role of marine research centers to help organize the process of fishing and boost fishery-related studies.
The government works on setting a complete strategy to monitor the quality control of fishery products starting with the process of fishing and ending with sales activities at the local and international markets through the establishment of quality control laboratories,by providing equipments and budgets necessary for their operation in the provincial capitals and other coastal cities according to the international standards.
Policies set by the government include the preparation of conditions and quality standards of the fishery products, exporting them and maintaining the fishery facilities in coordination with the General Authority for Specifications and Standards.
Included in the priorities of the Ministry of Fisheries is boosting the installation of laboratories, treating fish by the cooperative and private sectors, training workers and expanding the scope of sale places.
The government will expend precious efforts to promote and organize the participation of private sector to invest in the areas of production, fish farming and marketing.This is done by preparing the fishery investment map and conducting economical and technical study for the establishment of typical fish farms along the coastline and marketing them for local and foreign investment.
The government steps up efforts to provide the main components of fishery investment and public services and offer 50% of transportation and fish carriage fares. In addition, there is the promotion of local companies to market the fishery products, particularly the establishment of typical markets and well-equipped transportation means according to the international standards.
The fishery exports rose from 12.9 thousand tons in 2000 to 47.6 thousand tons in 2004 and their values grew from $40 million to $312 million during the same period of time.
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