On Saturday, 12th October 2024, it marked a significant milestone in the advancement of the fishing and aquaculture sectors for both the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, outlining a framework for deepening cooperation in the fields of fishing, aquaculture, and trading.
This agreement seeks to foster collaboration, enhance sustainable practices, and to leverage shared expertise to benefit both nations.
The MoU was jointly signed by Princess Dougla, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and General Islam Abdel Hamid Attia Rayan, Chairman of Board of Directors and CEO of the National Company for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NCFA) of the National Service Projects Organization (NSPO) of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Muana Brima Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence, Sadiq Silla Sierra Leone Ambassador to Cairo, represented the Government of Sierra Leone.
It is part of the promotion of President Bio’s policy on Economic Diplomacy. The Egypt side was represented by Major General Nasser Saleh, Deputy Head of the National Company for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Brigadier General Bassam Mohamed, head of planning pector NCFA, and Major General Adel Rashed, head of Human Resources, NCFA.
In addition, the private sector was represented by Bassem Jamil Sahid Mohamed, Managing Director, Sierra Fishing Company.
The Memorandum outlines several key objectives aimed at promoting, sustaining fishing practices and enhancing trade opportunities such as improvement of post harvesting, and a value addition to fish products. It was also meant to enhance cooperation, to establish a collaborative framework for knowledge sharing and for a best practices in the fishing industry to promote aquaculture. Both countries will commit themselves to enaure sustainable fishing methods especially on the health of marine resources.
Also for capacity building that facilitates the training of programs and capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders in both countries.
It is hoped to explore for opportunities for mutual access to markets, thus fostering growth and expansion of fishing and aquaculture trade, with the installing of monitoring systems on fishing vessels.
To promote joint research initiatives, to advance aquaculture technologies and techniques.
In her statement, Princess Dugba, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sierra Leone, said, “Today marks a landmark moment for Sierra Leone as we reach this new chapter of cooperation in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.”
“This MoU with the Arab Republic of Egypt is not just a signature on paper; it is a commitment to seeing the fulfillment of President Bio’s vision for sustainable practices, for shared knowledge, and mutual growth.” “Together, we all support the planning and coordination,” she said. From the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Cairo, who facilitated it, to the Ministry of Defence, under its canopy we are here, also to Bassem, Jemil, whose invaluable logistical support was invaluable, we will enhance our fishing industries, enrich livelihoods, and ensure food security for our people, the minister spoke.
“I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we work hand-in-hand to realize our vision for sustainable fisheries.”
On his part, General Islam Attia, Head of NCFA, Egypt, had this to say, “This MOU symbolizes our joint commitment to fostering collaboration in the fishing and aquaculture sectors between our two nations. Today, we lay the foundations for a partnership that will promote sustainable practices while enhancing trade opportunities. “It is imperative that we work together to harness our resources wise.