Tanzania's affirms commitment to sustainable fishing practices
Traders sort fish at Kibirizi market in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- With approximately 200,000 fishermen directly employed and an annual yield of around 415,000 tonnes of fish, fishing plays a crucial role in Tanzania's economic landscape
Dar es Salaam. The ministry of Industry and Trade has underscored Tanzania's commitment to sustainable fishing practices, recognising the sector's significant contribution to the nation's economy.
With approximately 200,000 fishermen directly employed and an annual yield of around 415,000 tonnes of fish, fishing plays a crucial role in Tanzania's economic landscape.
Highlighting the importance of the fishing sector, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Hashil Abdallah, emphasised the need for responsible fishing practices, particularly given Tanzania's extensive coastline spanning 1424 kilometres and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 223,000 square kilometres.
These practices are essential not only for Tanzania's development but also for supporting many developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) whose economies rely on similar sectors.
Speaking at the ongoing 13th Ministerial Conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the United Arab Emirates, Dr Abdallah stressed the pivotal role of fishing resources in local employment and global economic growth.
“The fishing sector not only sustains livelihoods but also significantly contributes to economic development, particularly in rural and urban areas,” noted Dr Abdallah in a statement sent to the media yesterday.
Advocating for inclusive measures within international agreements, Dr Abdallah emphasised the importance of providing technical assistance and capacity building tailored to the needs of developing countries.
Furthermore, Dr Abdallah highlighted Tanzania's commitment to food security and equitable reforms within the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He stressed the importance of addressing diverse developmental needs and ensuring fair trade practices, particularly for developing and least developed countries (LDCs).
"Tanzania advocates for a rules-based trading system that provides protection and opportunities for all member countries," affirmed Dr Abdallah, reiterating the country's dedication to sustainable global development.
Tanzania's stance at the international conference reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive growth, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for equitable trade to benefit all nations.
